Luke 12:1-3

New International Version

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

For Meditation

It is foolishness, Jesus implied, to be two-faced, as time eventually unveils all secrets (Luke 12:1-3). Why not be transparent then and be free?

You said it was a dark place, but the light will reveal your deeds beyond your imagination. Nobody was there when you whispered into the ears of those who were not supposed to hear about it. However, the day will come when someone announces it from the rooftop for all to know who you are—your very character.

So be careful what you say, when and where you whisper it. Learn discretion, for it will maintain your integrity (Proverbs 2:11).

How about what you do?

Nobody saw it in that concealed location and how heinous your action was. When you walked out, you pretended and deceived everybody. Society may have even rewarded you for your character because you have fooled everybody with the external show, and millions are singing your praise.

Watch out, for the light of God will shine on it when you least expect utterances and deeds. When the news hounds smell it, you may not want to be seen in public again.

The day your sins find you out, you may hate and despise yourself. Therefore, why don’t you do away with all the sexual perversity, backbiting, gossip, and evil deeds now and save yourself the shame and disgrace of tomorrow? Not only for yourself but for your family, friends, church, organization, and people.

Whenever the urge mounts in you to indulge in those sinful desires, remind yourself of what Jesus warned us against in Luke 12:2-3. In time, every concealed thing will see the light of disclosure, and every secret whisper will become public chatter. Hypocrisy will receive a public face in embarrassing ways and make you a public spectacle. You cannot afford to wear the badge of dishonor like the Pharisees did when Jesus confronted them. Their experience could save your face.

This Easter season, ask the Lord for mercy and grace to uphold you in temptation so you may not fall into these entrapments.