Transparency

The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. - Proverbs 28:13

I have said (many times) that the key to holiness in this life is simple to discover. Of course, there is nothing simple about practical holiness, but I do believe there is a definite key.

The key, I believe, is transparency.

According to the writer above, "The one who conceals his sins will not prosper." So, why do we try to hide them from God? He sees everything. He hears everything. He knows everything. Could it be that the greatest deception of the enemy is that he convinces us we can somehow hide our sins from a holy, omniscient God?

Perhaps this is why the writer went on to say, "... whoever confesses and renounces [his sins] will find mercy." Nothing "prospers" like the mercy and forgiveness of God! The key is to remain transparent before Him and others.

Why hide that which cannot be hidden?

There is no persuasiveness more effectual than the transparency of a single heart, of a sincere life. - Joseph B. Lightfoot