After carrying out a number of chores, watching cartoons, doing some academic work, etc., I reminded my children that they would also need to arrange their room. But the younger one did something interesting. She locked the door of their room. As her sister opened it, she shouted; “Lock that door, so people won’t know our room is dirty.” She replied her; “Are you arranging it because of people?” It drove home a major lesson.
Friend, why do you do what you do? A lot of people are more public than private. People do stuff to earn validation from people (Matthew 23:5). While this may not always be bad, it must not make us live our private life unchecked. I often ask folks; “What if there is no heaven or hell, would you still Iive right?” What if there is no shame or consequence for wrongdoing? Would you still do what is right?
You have not started the journey of greatness until you own your process with God. When a married man says stuff like “Let’s quickly have sex, my wife would not know, nobody will see us, and stuff like.” I want to ask; “Is it about people or about your conscience?” Is it about what people would say or about the personal standards that you have set for yourself (Daniel 1:8)?
If all you do is because of people, you would soon find yourself living an unrestrained life (Proverbs 29:18). Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, the vision of your future should restrain you. Your walk with the Lord should set the standard of righteousness, not what is allowed in your sphere. What others may not consider sinful may be evil for you (Hebrews 5:14).
Stop hiding the dirt. One of the protocols of getting divine help is to expose the stench. Mary and Martha had to show Jesus where Lazarus was buried (John 11:34). The sons of the prophet had to show Elisha where the axe head fell (2 Kings 6:6). It is better to expose your sins before God than to package before men (2 Samuel 12:1-13, Psalms 51:1-6).
If you would go far in life, you must learn to do what is right. Be more privately than you are publicly. Have a conscience that is alive unto God (Acts 24:16). Set personal stands based on scriptures and the revelation of your divine destiny. Live in such a way that if you are promised billions for sinning and no consequence for wrongdoing, you would still live right. Do the will of God from your heart (Ephesians 6:6).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria