The Temptation to Hide

Our conscience is given to every one of us when we are born.  It is a guide that makes us feel happy when we are doing what is right and makes us feel guilty or anxious inside when we are doing something wrong.  It is basically the tool Jesus Christ uses to show us when we need to repent and when we are on the right path. 

When we have made a mistake Satan knows that we feel guilty and he immediately seizes that opportunity to get us to make yet another mistake.  This is his way of leading us further away from the influence of our conscience.  His  all-time favorite way of getting us headed in the wrong direction is by tempting us to hide our initial mistake.  This was the first tactic he used way back when Adam and Eve ate the fruit and he encouraged them to hide from God.  Pay attention to the times you are tempted to "hide" from something or "avoid" someone.  It is a red-flag that Satan is trying to keep you from really repenting and fixing a problem.  Let me share a simple example:

I am grocery shopping and across the store I see a lady whom I promised 2 months earlier that I would help with a large community project- only I never really did help her.  Suddenly the next thought I have is to turn and head down the aisle so I can dodge her.

Why?  Would it not be easier for me to head straight up to her and say, "I feel so guilty that I never helped you with that project!  I am so sorry, did you get it all done or do you still need some help?"

Dodging into the aisle is exactly what Satan wants us to do - facing the mistake and repenting is the invitation from God.  The first option will always keep us in a state of bondage but the second is liberating and brings happiness.

Now, ponder on this:  Is there something or someone that you are avoiding - maybe a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a debt-collector?  Just be honest and apologetic and willingly do whatever you can to make up for your initial mistake. 

Also, just a note of warning but Satan's other favorite tactic is passing blame - so as soon as you feel that temptation you can know where it came from.  Don't get in the habit of partially apologizing with an excuse tied to it.