A Cover-up Expert

A Cover-Up Expert

Luke 12:1-3

Kevin quietly shut the door behind him and started down the hall.

“Kevin?” He jumped as his mother came up behind him. “Get ready. We’re going to Aunt Betty’s for Uncle Phil’s birthday dinner. Dad’s meeting us there.”

All the way to Aunt Betty’s, Kevin’s conscience tormented him. Why did you do it? You know better. Silently, he argued back. No one knows. Dad will never miss it. I had to pay my debt, and Dad wouldn’t understand—he doesn’t believe in betting.

At Aunt Betty’s, everyone remarked about her spotless house—they always told her she was a wonderful housekeeper. But after dinner, something happened.

Aunt Betty brought out the birthday cake. “We need a picture of this,” she declared. “I forgot the camera. It’s in the hall closet.”

Kevin jumped up. “I’ll get it,” he offered.

Aunt Betty hesitated. “Okay,” she agreed, “but you’d better wear your hard hat.” When Kevin opened the closet door, he stared in amazement. It was so cluttered he was afraid he’d start an avalanche if he touched anything.

“Can’t you find it?” asked Aunt Betty, coming up behind him. She laughed at his expression. “Surprised? I’m a cover-up expert,” she told him, “but you can get away with hiding things only so long. I got caught this time, didn’t I?”

That night, Kevin couldn’t sleep. Finally he got up and went into his parents’ room. “Dad,” he whispered as he sat on the edge of the bed, “I’ve got a confession to make.” Dad flipped on the lamp as Kevin continued. “I stole five dollars from your wallet. I made a bet with Joe, and I lost. I know it’s wrong to steal and to bet. I’m sorry. I’ll pay you back.”

“You certainly will,” said Dad. He sat up and slipped an arm around his son. “What made you confess?” he asked.

“Aunt Betty’s closet,” Kevin replied promptly. “You can hide things by covering them up only so long.”

“True,” agreed Dad. “And you know what? You can never hide things from God!” BW

How about You?

Is there something in your life you’re hiding? something that needs to be confessed? Don’t wait. Now is the time to “clean house” by confessing the matter to God and also to any person you’ve wronged.

Memorize:

“The time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public.” Matthew 10:26

Confess Your Sins