Hidden Flaws

Bible Reading: Psalm 32:1-5

As Eva and her friend Addison walked through the dining room, Eva pointed to the shelves that held her mother’s prized teacup collection. “Mom only uses these when she has company,” said Eva. “Otherwise, we’re not allowed to touch them. I’ll show you my favorite one.” She took a cup and held it out to Addison. But Addison backed away, and when Eva let it go, the delicate cup fell to the table and the handle broke off. Both girls gasped in horror.

“I…I didn’t do that,” Addison said quickly. “You took it off the shelf.”

Eva looked at the break. “I can fix this. Dad has glue he says works like magic. I’ll fix it right now before Mom gets home. She’ll never know.”

Several days later, Eva’s mother hosted her book club at their house. Eva recognized Mrs. Sloane, an antique store manager. “You have a lovely cup collection,” Mrs. Sloane said. “I’m something of an expert when it comes to these.” She examined Eva’s favorite cup—the one she had repaired. “This one is lovely,” declared Mrs. Sloane, “even though the handle has been glued on.”

“What do you mean?” asked Mom.

“Haven’t you ever noticed it?” Mrs. Sloane showed Mom a tiny crack at the bottom of the handle.

Eva blushed and quickly left the room when her mother glanced at her. She knows I did it, Eva thought.

After everyone left, Mom asked Eva what had happened, and Eva admitted she had dropped the cup. “Both disobeying and trying to hide what you did are wrong,” Mom said.

“I know,” Eva said. “I’m so sorry.”

“I forgive you,” Mom said, giving Eva a hug. “But there’s another lesson here that I want you to learn.” Mom looked at the cup. “The flaw in this cup was hidden from me, but not from someone who knew more about antiques. And it’s the same with our sin—we can’t hide our wrongs from God. Even if I had never found out about the cup, God knew what you did. Instead of trying to hide our sins from Him, we need to confess them to Jesus. He will forgive us and then help us admit our sins to those we’ve wronged so we can ask their forgiveness too.” • Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Have you tried to hide or cover up a sin? Maybe your parents or teachers don’t know about a wrong thing you’ve done, but there is no way you can hide it from God. He sees everything. Confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then trust Him to help you be honest with Him and others.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 69:5 O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Sin cannot be hidden