Ever since wearing seatbelts became a law, I’ve always worn mine. But there was one time years ago when I forgot to put it on. My husband and I had gone to an appointment and then through a drive-through to get some lunch. We took off our seatbelts as we sat in the parking lot eating, but forgot to put them back on. 

As we drove towards home, we saw a road block up ahead with officers checking vehicles. I suddenly realized I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt and quickly put it on. My husband didn’t get his on in time.

When it was our turn to stop, the officer ticketed both of us for failure to wear seatbelts, even though I had mine on at the time. I thought I’d gotten away with it, but there was camera surveillance watching me put it on. 

It was an expensive lesson that no matter how many times we do the right thing, one wrong decision could have serious consequences. We think we can cover up our sin and get away with it. Even if no one else sees or knows, God is always watching and knows every move we make.

Some have given into the temptation to take home office supplies or materials from their businesses, thinking no one sees and they will get away with it. Some even think they can get away with stealing funds, and work hard to cover their tracks. But a day will come when you may be caught on security cameras and found out.

How many times have we shared gossip or passed on confidences as “prayer requests?” We think the person we talked about won’t find out, until word gets back to them and ruins friendships. It takes a long time to build back trust again when you think you’ve gotten away with something.

Some think they can get away with a stolen kiss or lingering touch with someone other than their spouse, or even a full-blown affair. Even if no one else ever finds out, your conscience knows and God knows. You can’t hide anything from God, thinking you’ve gotten away with it.

You may think it’s no one’s business what you do in secret in your home. No one else will find out about the hidden bottle in the cupboard, the drugs in the drawer, or the pornography lurking in your computer. You will never get away with hidden sin because God knows.

A story is told in Acts 5:1-11 about a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. Because others were selling their land for money to help those in need, they decided to also sell a piece of land. However they plotted to keep part of the money for themselves.

They lied to the apostles when they gave them part of the proceeds and told them it was the full amount. But God knew, and they were struck dead. They thought they could get away with lying to the men, but you cannot lie to God.

If you’ve been hiding secret sin, thinking you’re getting away with it, there is a way out. 1 John 1:9 tells us if we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. If we are sincere in our desire to turn to God, confess our sins, repent and ask for help not to return to them, God will give us all the help we need to overcome secret sin.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.