Completely Naked

Our culture seems to be enamored with anonymity and sex. It is a dangerous combination for sure! The media sells everything from banking services to hamburgers with a provocatively dressed model and message. Technology follows right behind with trends allowing greater activity under the radar screen than ever before. Just what the enemy wants: to help us keep our sins to ourselves.My two latest discoveries as the investigative mother of teens are apps that are all about living in secrecy. You definitely want to avoid Easy Calc and Yik Yak. A fellow mom alerted me to Yik Yak. It allows you to anonymously post comments that are read by anyone in a five mile radius. Sounds innocent enough, until you start seeing what any person of any age is willing to post free of accountability. From sexual predators to crass teenagers to bullies, the sinful nature shows itself in prime form.Right behind this winner (note the sarcasm) is Easy Calc. It looks like a calculator app, but don’t be fooled – there are no math functions to be found. While someone appears to be hard at work on a math problem, they could actually be using the hidden camera and video component.As I was making these latest discoveries, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between what is known by others and what is true. The truth is that the Lord sees through all of our attempts to justify and mask our dishonoring choices. I am not just talking about porn and steamy things… but about every corner we cut and every thought we have. We are completely bare before the Lord.This reminder can terrify you, but I would rather you consider that it could absolutely free you. Just the other day, I came across Scriptures where Matthew said, “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said…” (Matt 9:4) and “Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there” (Matt 12:15). It made me curious. How many times do we get a window into the Lord’s ability to know all? Just searching the Bible for the words “Jesus knowing” brings up six intriguing passages. He left a written account! No guesswork is needed. There is no question: the Lord knows each and every thought we have and action we take.So, where does that leave you and me? It leaves us with the opportunity to start living authentic lives now. You cannot change yesterday, but you can be forgiven and you can choose to live authentically and above reproach today. Beth Moore puts it succinctly when she says, “Our exterior life has to match our interior life. The space between the exterior and interior is where the enemy lives.”What thoughts do you need to take to the Lord? What conversations do you hope others don’t find out about? What actions do you fear being exposed? What would you be embarrassed for those you respect to find out? Don’t allow the enemy even an inch. You don’t have to live in fear… live knowing you are already naked!