The Deceitfulness of Sin
By L. D. Avery Stuttle
The inspired psalmist well expresses the deceitfulness of our own corrupt hearts, when he exclaims with fervor: “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” The Spirit of God had to a certain extent revealed to him his sinful heart, and opened his eyes to his own unworthiness; which called from his lips the earnest prayer, “Cleanse me from secret faults.” How apt are we to place a false estimate upon ourselves. If our circumstances were only more favorable, what an amount we would contribute toward the advancement of the cause of God. The fact is, we are not acquainted with our own hearts. Again, we are often deceived in others, so apt are we to look upon the outward appearance. When the Lord commanded Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be king over Israel, the prophet caused them all in order to pass before him. First, the eldest, tall, noble, and grand as any king, stood before Samuel; and even he, a prophet of God, was so moved by his striking appearance as to declare his opinion that the Lord’s anointed stood before him. But how forcible is the answer given the prophet, by the almighty Searcher of hearts: “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” We are like Samuel,—prone to decide in favor of appearances. The brother whose prayers are the most eloquent, the minister whose discourse is filled with logic or flowery language, has our profoundest regard and respect; nay, we are too often ready even to covet his talents and piety, thinking surely, as did Samuel, the Lord’s anointed standeth before me. Then again, who of us but has secret faults, known only to himself and his God? The eye of friend or foe has not discovered, and perhaps never may discover, these hidden, buried sins; but be assured it will not be always thus. For the day is coming when even the hidden thoughts of the heart will be made manifest. We may now be so blinded by the subtle veil of pride or selfishness, that our sins may be hidden even from our own eyes. But be sure there is an eternal, ever-watchful Eye which penetrates to the depths of these selfish hearts of ours, and knows their very thoughts. “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?” Are we willing to invite an investigation of our hearts by this great God? Are we ready to say as did David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me.” We had better endure the investigation now than by-and-by, when it will be too late—forever too late! Let us daily search our hearts diligently, and pray that the Lord will discover unto us our secret faults, that we may put these things far from us, and be ready to meet Him with joy at his soon coming. Mrs. L. D. Avery Stuttle.