We are... Graveyards?

(This reading is based on Proverbs 11 and is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of SDAs.)

"A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." Prov. 11: 13

What if all we had to do with our problems in order to get rid of them was to easily make them all into materials that could be buried in a grave, and then that's it; problem solved? That would be nice. But that is not our reality. In reality we often need to share our problems with others in order to cope and experience some relief. It is often the case that we need people to be graveyards for certain of our problems, which we hope will stay buried, once we confide in someone.

And what challenge to confidentiality Proverbs 11: 13 is to all those who share counsel with others - be you a counselor, pastor, elder, or board member. In whatever capacity we serve, access to sensitive information is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. We must be graveyards for the dark tales that haunt the lives of those we serve. Too often it is that in our bid to win favour with others do we divulge the "deep dark struggles" of those whose lives we know something of.

This absence of confidentiality has driven fear in many who would otherwise gladly engage the prayers of the church in helping them cope with specific issues in their lives. Consequently, there are many who are suffering silently - even as they parade an image of piety and spiritual well-being. This is not as God would have it as we see clearly in James 5: 16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Father in Heaven, what a privilege to know that we do have a High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; One in whom we can without fear confide. Nevertheless, help us as members of the body of Christ to be faithful to each other and to be more inclined to pray for each other than to judge and breach each other's confidence. In His name we thank You for this great provision, amen.

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