Luke 8:17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

If there is something thought to be gained, cheating will be present. Whether it be the stock market, poker, marriage, or sporting competitions, our carnal minds desire gain and happiness therefrom no matter the cost. We have that fleshly instinct which leads to supposed shortcuts.

Throughout the history of golf, players have witnessed their partners or competitors move a ball, drop a ball or even “misplace” a stroke during the course of a round. No one cheats with the thought their means will be unveiled. Often times, the person has the talent or the means to attain the wealth or gain from “legal” means, but yet desires to do so via other routes. Further, many times cheating has no earthly gain at all and is merely a decision to attempt to deceive. The gain is to only not get caught and the knowing he or she has done something unknown.

Cheating is not only a sin, but sin is the ultimate form of cheating. The result of satisfying the flesh is instant, but like stealing, the gain has a short term shelf life. Jesus tells us that nothing can be hidden forever. In Numbers 32:23, the words “ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out” ring out clearly and loudly. Most of us can testify to this verse being true. We can point to an indiscretion we thought which would never be unveiled. Somewhere somehow we were exposed and had to confront our decision.

One truth that we must accept us that the deceitful acts of some will never be brought to light on this earth. However, both the offender and the person harmed have the state of mind that justice will never be brought. The longer the sin is allowed to age, we presume we are in the clear. However, Jesus assures us that nothing is hidden indeed.

We have an “all knowing” God who knows our intentions and motivations. He not only promises that it will be known, but it will be brought to light. A person knowing something is one thing, but the broadcasting is quite another to our psyche. We automatically defend ourselves that the revelation is “fake news.”

A wise pastor once told our congregation that when someone talks about you in a negative manner, just make sure it isn’t true. The Holy Spirit reveals to us that if we need to hide a certain action in the cloak of darkness, it is probably sinful. The believer is tasked to spread light in a world full of darkness. In Ephesians 5:13, we are told that, “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” Let us strive to act and be bearers of this light.