SCRIPTURE: Job 31:33 I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom. (KJV)
Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess! (KJV) Our personable church organist was loyal to the church, a good worker and faithful in all ways. Who would believe he would become a convicted as child molester? His skill at leading a double life was truly honed. Isn’t this behavior similar to what Job is sharing? As Adam hid his transgressions, so Job was admitting he hid his iniquities. I, too, must admit that I am not always honest about my errors and faults. At times I sneak pictures of someone who doesn’t want to be photographed, share a confidence when I have promised silence and promise to stay in touch and never call or write the person. I do all this while espousing respect for other people. Then I chalk these behaviors up to being human. I value authenticity, but if I were really authentic, the outside of my cup would be as clean as the inside is. Even though I know God is aware of what my misdeeds I attempt to hide them in my “bosom.” Therein lies the problem: the moment I try to hide something from God or my fellow human being, I create a rift between us that interferes with our relationship. Fortunately, as a Christian, there is a way to clean out the inside of the cup. Seeking the soap and water of forgiveness and setting relationships right puts us back on track. What about you? Are you open about your faults and misdoings? Are you a real, authentic person or does the inside of your “cup” hold real secrets of spiritually destructive behavior? How do you seek to wash the inside of your cup? PRAYER: Lord, help me be as truly authentic as I desire to be. Open my eyes to the things I try to hide from myself so I can work to correct them. Amen ---written by Carolyn | 
