"Secret Faults"

"Secret Faults"

     

    By definition, a deceived person does not know that he or she is deceived.  This is true of those who embrace major errors regarding "the faith which was once delivered to the saints", and also of believers who walk faithfully in a general sense, but who may be unknowingly misled regarding specific matters of God's truth (Jude 1:3).

    "Who can understand his errors?  Cleanse Thou me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12).

    We do well to not let a day pass wherein we fail to seek God's light concerning matters of darkness in our thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives of God, ourselves, people, life, and our calling to love our Lord and others.  We require His "reproof" and "correction" on an ongoing basis (II Timothy 3:16).  Thankfully, our Heavenly Father administers such guidance as we humbly seek Him in His Word, by His Spirit, and through our fellow believers.  Thereby we maintain sensitivity to the possibility of deception, and the actuality of life in a fallen world where detours from Truth constantly beckon us to venture upon paths that seem safe enough, but which actually lead to harm.  "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).

   David's request for the cleansing of "secret faults" informs us of our need.  Our own request for such purification conforms us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, who had no faults that required correction, but who nevertheless walked in a humility of heart that kept Him sensitive to the possibility of deception.  "We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).  Spiritual enemies exist whose cunning cannot be overcome apart from God's keeping and cleansing.  Our calling involves awareness of the possibility, and availing ourselves of the Light that exposes darkness.  Such an attitude of heart and practice of seeking correction is not easy.  We do not enjoy being corrected.  We nevertheless must journey upon the path of humility whereby hidden faults become known and forsaken.  Peace ensues, along with truth known, believed, and followed.  Few matters of walking with God more require our ongoing attention, and His ongoing faithfulness.

"Search me, o God, and know my heart.  Try me and know my thoughts.  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

(Psalm 139:23-24)

Weekly Memory Verse

    Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

(Galatians 5:16)