Today let’s talk about the gift and power of secrecy. Now, before you get all worked up about how “cultish” that sounds, be assured that it’s an old idea with origins in Jewish culture. It’s something Jesus talked about in Matthew 6, when he told his followers to give without telling anybody else.

I want to make it clear right away that this is not a law or a mandate. I don’t want legalism to seep in, but I do think it’s a good idea to account for our “sin” and “good works” practices every now and then to keep our spiritual lives balanced. When we sin and do things we know we shouldn’t do, we usually do so in secret. When we sin, we don’t go about bragging about how much we want our neighbor’s automobile or how addicted we are to a substance. “If you’re going to sin, sin boldly!” Martin Luther once stated. Contrary to this behavior, when we give money to someone in need or sacrifice our time for another, we tend to want to let people know. Nowadays, this could be sharing something on social media or casually discussing it to friends and coworkers. Whatever the case may be, Jesus instructs us to accomplish our good deeds in private as bearers of His Name. This is why I encourage you to shift your mindset and let your tongue speak more about your flaws than your goodness.

Friend, you will create balance that keeps you humble and allows you to connect more deeply with people when you feel comfortable being honest and vulnerable about your sins and struggles and holding your tongue when it comes to boasting. Arrogance isolates you, whereas vulnerability attracts people to you and allows you to share the source of your hope and salvation. Jesus gives you the strength to be transparent because you are accepted and completely loved. Even better, when you’re honest about your transgressions and take responsibility for them, misbehavior loses its hold on you.