The Shame and Guilt of Hiding Sin

The Shame and Guilt of Hiding

Today, we review Genesis 3:1-12 & Psalms 51:1-12. When we review our Genesis portion of text today, we find Adam attempting to hide from God because of shame and guilt. After eating from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Eve realized their nakedness and felt ashamed. They sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves and hid among the trees of the garden.

When God called out to Adam, his response was one of fear: “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” (Genesis 3:10). With all due respect to more learned preachers than I, was Adam really making an excuse or simply relaying the facts of what happened? Adam's reaction is a universal human response to sin—hiding from God due to shame.

David's Contrasting Approach

In contrast, when we review our Psalms text today, we find King David doing the exact opposite and exposing his shame and guilt to God. While Adam tried to hide, David woefully confessed his sin before the Lord. In Psalms 51:1-12, David openly acknowledges his transgressions and pleads for God's mercy: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions" (Psalms 51:1). David's transparency and repentance are key themes in this psalm, showcasing his deep desire for reconciliation with God.

The Consequences of Hiding from God

Many of the issues we struggle with are a direct result of hiding from the presence of God. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that if we can stay hidden, we can "fake it till we make it." This mindset leads us to a life of pretense, where we try to mask our flaws and sins. Consider the parable of the two men heading down to the temple. The religious person, who appeared pious, was a fraud, while the man who admitted, "I am a hot mess," was viewed more favorably in the eyes of God. This story reminds us of the futility of hiding our true selves from God.

The Futility of Hiding

What is crazy on our part is written in the Bible: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there" (Psalms 139:8-9). No matter where we go or what we do, we cannot hide from God's presence. The sooner we acknowledge this truth, the better we can align ourselves with His will.

Striving for Obedience

We must strive not to be "good Christians" but rather "obedient Christians." Even Jesus said, "Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17). An obedient Christian understands they are not always "good" and thanks Jesus for the opportunity to repent. They recognize that "all our good works are as filthy rags in God's sight." It isn’t "good people" who go to Heaven but "saved" people.

The Role of Grace

An obedient Christian understands that "it is by grace that we are saved, not of good works, lest any should boast." While good works can be seen by others, faith is based on the "unseen." An obedient Christian stays true to God even when they aren't feeling "so good and churchy." The Bible encourages us to "good works," but there is a huge difference between performing "good works" and being a "good person."

Why We Try to Hide

Why do we try to hide when it is written: "Come unto me all ye that are burdened and heavy laden" (Matthew 11:28) and "Casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)? At the most critical, life-changing moments, we hide our spiritual nakedness from God. The Bible says, "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "If we CONFESS our SIN, HE is faithful" (1 John 1:9).

Hiding from God's Correction

Hiding from God's correction is actually hiding from His glory. By the time we become adults, we've become so accustomed to "acting." We've had a lifetime of people telling us how we should act and who we should be. By the time the Lord comes calling on us to fulfill our birthright, we put on an acting job in front of Him. Some within the body will take on a posture of, "Ah, ah, ah; you naughty little Christian you!" The only difference between a "faithful" witness and an "unfaithful" witness is repentance.

The Parable of the Two Men

Remember this scene: "Two men went up to the temple—one a Pharisee and the other a publican" (Luke 18:10-14). The Pharisee was proud and boastful, while the publican admitted his sins. Jeremiah asked, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?" (Jeremiah 8:22). Yes, there is a balm in Gilead for the sin-sick soul, but how can it be applied to your wound if you refuse to admit the wound is even there? Psalms is many things, but chief among them is a book of transparency.

Transparency in Relationships

In transparency, relationships are either healed or pruned. I once had a conversation with a friend who questioned why I still attended church despite my past. Jesus said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country" (Mark 6:4). There are only two types of people you'll come into contact with: haters or supporters.

The Role of Skycaps

Consider airport skycaps who carry the baggage of others. These individuals tirelessly lift and transport heavy loads that do not belong to them, ensuring that travelers reach their destinations without the burden of carrying their own bags. Similarly, in our own lives, we often carry emotional and spiritual baggage that weighs us down. This baggage can come from past hurts, unresolved conflicts, fears, and insecurities. Over time, these burdens can become overwhelming, preventing us from experiencing the full joy and freedom that God intends for us.

Transparency allows us to either heal these burdens or prune them from our lives, leading to healthier relationships with God and others. When we are transparent, we acknowledge our struggles and confront the issues that weigh us down. This process of honesty and openness can be painful, but it is necessary for healing. Just as a skycap sets down a heavy bag once it reaches its destination, we too must learn to set down our emotional and spiritual baggage at the feet of Jesus.

Being and Open Book with God

There is a difference between being transparent TO the Lord and being transparent WITH Him. Because God knows all and sees all, there is nothing I can hide from Him. Therefore, I am an open book (transparent) to Him. However, when I am transparent with Him, I acknowledge to Him that I am as messed up as I appear to be. Before Adam confessed, God asked, "Did you eat of the tree?" He knows!

It is time to "come on out of the bushes," saints. As Deacon Fleming prays sometimes, "There are those who throw a rock and hide their hands!" By the mercies of God, I am not asking you to "stop throwing rocks"—yet, anyway—but at least have the courage to keep your hand exposed and say, "Yeah, I did it and here is why."

Facing Our Sins

People can talk about the men who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus and were ready to stone her all day long, but at least they said, "Here is why we want to throw these rocks at her." Facing our sins and being honest about them is the first step towards healing and forgiveness.

Conclusion: Embrace Transparency

In conclusion, embracing transparency with God is essential for a healthy spiritual life. Hiding from God only leads to more shame and guilt, while being open and honest leads to healing and reconciliation. Strive to be an obedient Christian, not just a good one, and remember that God's grace is sufficient for all our shortcomings. Come out, come out, wherever you are, and find peace in the presence of the Lord.