Imagine discovering a terrifying truth: an enemy, intent on destroying you, your family, and everything you hold dear, is hiding in your attic. This enemy despises you, your country, and the world. Yet, despite knowing his intentions, you continue to sustain him by secretly taking food to him. The only reason he remains a threat is because of your actions, however covert they may be.
Now, let’s draw a parallel. Imagine harboring a hidden sin in your heart, one that no one else knows about but you. This sin, though concealed, festers and grows, becoming an internal adversary. It affects your relationship with God, your spiritual integrity, and your ability to serve as a man of God, a member of the Tribe of Valor.
In both scenarios, the enemy is sustained by your actions. One is a physical enemy you feed in your attic; the other is a spiritual adversary you nourish in your heart.
The Attic Enemy: A Tangible Threat
Consider the physical enemy. His presence in your attic is a constant threat. Every time you feed him, you are not only preserving his life but also endangering your own and your loved ones. The fear of what might happen if he were discovered or acted upon his evil intentions hangs over you like a dark cloud.
The Apostle Paul warned us about the consequences of living in darkness: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8, NIV). Continuing to feed this attic enemy keeps you in a state of darkness, preventing you from living fully in the light.
The Heart Enemy: A Spiritual Battle
Now, think about the hidden sin in your heart. This sin, though unseen by others, has a similar destructive power. It corrupts your soul, weakens your spiritual defenses, and hampers your growth as a man of God. Just like the attic enemy, this sin only survives because you nurture it, perhaps through denial, justification, or secrecy.
King David, a man after God’s own heart, understood the importance of confronting hidden sin. In Psalm 32:3-5 (NIV), he wrote:
"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.' And you forgave the guilt of my sin."
David's words illustrate the profound relief and freedom that comes from confessing and confronting hidden sins. By bringing these sins to light, we allow God’s grace to cleanse and heal us, breaking the hold of the enemy within.
The Call to Action: Embrace Courage and Integrity
As members of the Tribe of Valor, we are called to live lives of courage and integrity. This means facing our enemies, both physical and spiritual, with resolve and righteousness. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV):
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
To be true men of God, we must:
Recognize the Enemy: Acknowledge the hidden sin or threat, understanding its potential to destroy.
Confront the Threat: With the strength of the Lord, confront and eliminate the enemy. Confess your sins, seek accountability, and take tangible steps to remove the physical threat if applicable.
Embrace the Light: Live transparently before God and others. Allow God’s light to expose and cleanse any darkness within you.
Put on the Armor of God: Equip yourself with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).
By doing so, we not only protect ourselves and our families but also honor God, becoming true warriors in the Tribe of Valor.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a physical enemy in your attic or a hidden sin in your heart, sustaining these adversaries only leads to destruction. As men of God, we are called to confront and eradicate these threats, living in the light and truth of Christ. Let us be vigilant, courageous, and steadfast, embodying the strength and integrity befitting the Tribe of Valor.
My Purpose In Life…Is To Serve…
Matthew Adams
Unmasking Hidden Sins: A Call to Courage and Integrity