unknown sin

As we consider the condition of our own souls, even a cursory examination will reveal things that are out of order, haywire, a hot mess, you name it.  Things like murderous thoughts and actions, working 24/7, having sex with someone other than a spouse, or lying.  These are the obvious ones that we need to confess, repent of, and make amends for, with God and perhaps with others.  We draw down the Grace of God in Jesus Who has covered these sins and many others like them with His atoning blood and perpetual intercession.

But then there are those sins that are more hidden, such as idolatry and especially coveting.  To covet is to yearn to possess or have something, particularly when someone else holds or possesses it.  It's not something that comes immediately to mind when we think about our sin.  It's a desire to possess what is another's that can possess us, often without our knowing it.  In this and many other ways, you and I could unknowingly be offending the God Who knows our insides better than we do.

Were it not for the Word of God.  St. Paul says, I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet' (Romans 7:7).  The Law, part of God's Word, helps us to identify ways in which we are offending Him or others, even if we don't know that we are offenders.  It's like God's Scalpel, which penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).  It goes deeper than our minds and hearts can fathom so that we can repent and receive forgiveness of sin and cleansing from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Give thanks for the Word of God, which first points us to New Life in Christ and also enlightens any ways in which the old life of sin possesses us unawares.  And use it liberally, particularly as you intercede for others, that nothing may hinder your prayers.