Renounce

9/15/2020

2 Corinthians 4:2 “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty.”

Renounce – formally declare one’s abandonment of a claim, right, or possession

We all have things that we hide from others. It could be something from the past, or even just a thought we have had. Nothing, however, is hidden from God. That being said, am I honest with Him about everything? Do I live my life so transparently that no one can claim they see hypocrisy in me? Am I who God wants me to be even when only He is watching, or do I have a pious façade? Verse 2 in its entirety says, “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways, we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Chambers writes, “Is there a thought in your heart about anyone which you would not like to be dragged into the light? Renounce it as soon as it springs up; renounce the whole thing until there is no hidden thing of any dishonesty or craftiness about you.” Even a thought that is hidden from others can harm your soul; I know it has mine. I have struggled for years with forgiveness towards a person in my life. I ask God for His help in this area, but honestly, what I need to do is renounce my negative thoughts and release the pain to Jesus. How can I stand for forgiveness and claim its healing power if I cannot myself finally forgive? If Jesus forgave those who put Him to death, shouldn’t I finally be able to forgive a decade’s old injury?

Chambers encourages, “Maintain a continual watchfulness so that nothing which you would be ashamed arises in your life.” This is wonderful council, because harboring negativity is like having a spiritual cancer. It ravages your soul until you can no longer hide it from the world around you, for thoughts become words, and words become actions. I need to renounce all within me that does not glorify my Lord.

I am, as always, a work in progress.