As a Christian, I can recall many conversations, sermons and articles focused on “secrets”.  Most were focused on the sinful things we do and keep hidden. I recently read a research study that had determined that people understand the weight of secrets by around age 6.  It is when we start limiting the details of our lives we share, and begin developing a sense or trust or betrayal by those we share our secrets with.

We often think of the things we secretly do, the secrets we keep and the effort we maintain to keep those secrets secret.  But did you know there are good secrets?  Did you know the Bible actually tells us to be secretive on some things?  Its funny, I don’t really recall many sermons focused on the good secrets we are to be keeping.  So I want to take a few minutes and share them with you and see if you can keep a few secrets:

Matthew 6:3-4  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret.

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.

Matthew 6:17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.

I like these three verses, particular since each one is followed by the phrase “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you”  Imagine that, God rewarding you for the secret things you do.  I bet those things don’t weigh on your conscious like so many of the other secrets we tend to keep.

What about other secrets?

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 8:17  For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

My conclusion?  You should have some secrets, the good kind, the kind God wants to reward.  Go pray, fast and give and do your very best to keep it a secret!

What about the other secrets?  Find a trustworthy friend and confess those things.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sim