Keeping Secrets

The growing dependence on mobile phones, the Internet, and other interactive media has led to concerns about privacy. In recent years, many websites have been hacked, and millions have had to deal with stolen bank information and credit card numbers. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reported that identity theft was the number one complaint by U.S. consumers in 2012, involving 18% of all complaints (a total of 369,132).

Much of this theft has been the work of unscrupulous hackers. But concerns also have been expressed about the government’s ability to probe into private lives. In the U.S. for example, the National Security Agency has skirted legal limits to probe the confidential activities of millions of Americans. Yet, according to a recent study, Americans trust the U.S. government more than many leading tech companies, which have a reputation of selling information thought to be confidential.

In the world, these issues are a legitimate cause for concern. But Believers should realize that there is a much bigger issue. We may or may not be able to keep our secrets from others. But one thing is for sure: God knows everything we do.

Jesus reminded us that everything secret “will eventually be brought into the open.” Things that are “concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” The Bible also tells us that “God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Believers need to remember that God already knows every thought they think and everything they do. Even things done in private. This is a cause for sober reflection, and a reminder of how foolish it is to try to hide anything from Him.

Today, let God probe every corner of your life. Every thought. Every activity. Every habit. Every relationship. Seek to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.