IN THE SECRET

One of the important skills for an effective life is to learn about secrets: when to keep someone's confidence confidential, when to expose a secret sin, when to be silent about private matters, and when to share something with only the person who needs to hear it. I must say that many of my own sins have to do with matters of private and public. Most of the time, my sin has been that I have made things too public that should have been private. Today's readings are important for me to take to heart.

Elisha knew what needed to be done. He sent one of his apprentice prophets to see Jehu, because Elisha knew that he himself would be easily recognized. He told him to secretly anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel, and then run for his life. It was not the first time in history that someone had done a secret anointing. No less than King David himself was secretly anointed by Samuel. Sometimes, announcing someone's future can be a threat to someone else, and so I need discernment in knowing who should hear about it.

On the other hand, sometimes sin needs to be exposed. I am not always called to protect someone's privacy, if his or her sin affects the whole body. Paul told the church at Corinth to make an example of a so-called brother living in sexual sin, rather than the church being proud of their grace record. Then he spent two chapters talking about how dangerous sexual sin is, and encouraging peace and purity in the church. Sometimes, sin is a public matter, not private, and I need discernment and courage to know the difference.

Jesus said that when I pray, I must do so secretly. As a worship leader, my "job" is to be holy, to walk with God, and to pray publicly. But if I do those things "in order to be seen" by men, I have all the reward I will ever get. Jesus is saying that I can forfeit heaven by being a public Christian, but not being a private, secret prayer warrior. Sometimes, people should not know when I pray for them, unless God tells me to say something to them, and I need discernment to know when to make a prayer public.

"LORD, make me pure in my heart. Let me discern, not just what should be said, but also let me discern who should hear it. Thank You for forgiving me for my many sins of talking to the wrong person about something You revealed to me. Teach me to be like You, perfect Father, loving Son, holy Spirit, one God without end. Amen."
-ker