As the General Election nears, the rhetoric between contesting parties also escalates. In one instance, a cabinet minister argued that an opposition party should be “upfront about their political agenda and motives so that voters can make an informed choice.” He then alluded to a video clip posted on the internet where a contesting candidate was involved. The opposition candidate involved replied that he did not know what video clip the cabinet minister was referring to. The cabinet minister then pinpointed to a video clip posted on the internet where this contesting candidate was referred to as being a possible first gay MP in Singapore. In the video clip, this candidate also agrees that the gay community should rally “ourselves” to change the law which criminalizes sex between men. The opposition party is also quick to hit back that one should not resort to personal attacks.

Sin Will Find You Out

My purpose is not to judge who is in the right or wrong but to underscore a point: What we did in time past or in secret can come back to haunt us one day. The Bible has warned us that “sin will find you out” (Num 32:23).

Hence, it is so important that we “walk in the light” (John 1:7). What I mean is that, never think that no one will get to know this sinful thing that I am doing. This includes gossiping about somebody, thinking that the hearer will keep it a secret. When no one is looking, some people will cheat, tell lies or enjoy some sinful pleasure, thinking that no one will find out. The Preacher in the Book of Ecclesiastes wisely counsels us that “even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter” (Eccl 10:20). Paul warns us that “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal 6:7).

Confess Your Sins

But we are all sinners who have or had hidden sins. What should you do? First, do not begin to sin. I am not saying that you will not sin. What I mean is, do now allow sin to captivate you so that this sin becomes a habitual sin. It will swallow you one day. Instead we should be “hating even the garment tainted by the flesh” (Jude 23).

Second, God promises us that if we are willing to walk in the light and we repent and confess our sins to God, “He will forgive us our sins and … cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Where “sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20). That does not mean you will not face the consequences of sin. This is fearful. If God sees as necessary that you face sin’s consequences, God will give you the needed grace and ensure that you emerge unscathed even when you face the consequences of past sins. But this grace is available to you only when you turn away from sin. Do not wait for tomorrow before you repent. Keep short accounts with God. Flee before chastisement comes.

Dear all, let us not walk in darkness thinking that we will not face sin’s consequences. Live a life that is transparent: holy and pleasing to God. Think, talk and walk as if everyone can see you. Then you will have a blessed fellowship with God and with God’s children.