I watched a film today called Luther. It’s a fairly new one based off of a TV show of the same name about a detective. Without giving away the plot, the film has a lot to do with shame.
Finding things that people would rather keep hidden, the antagonist is able to blackmail good people into doing what he wants. That’s not a new idea – blackmail has been around for ages. But what struck me was one character who is caught in the act of commiting a crime in order to avoid their secret being passed on. They said, “The stupid thing is, it wasn’t even that big a thing.”
Shame is powerful like that. It can affect us all and can be caused by big things and small things. Anything we’d rather other people didn’t find out about can plant a seed of shame. We keep it locked up tight, hidden away so far down no one will ever know. But what if someone did find out? What about that voice inside that insists on reminding you about it? What happens then?
I’m not saying that every little thing can or will be used as leverage. But I am saying watch those planted seeds. They can sprout and grow and turn you against yourself. They can follow you through life, defining you internally and holding you back. It’s almost like the internal voice is blackmailing you.
The thing about God is he already knows. Any little secret, God knew when you did it and hasn’t forgotten. But he doesn’t hold it against you. You don’t need to hide it from God. And if God has forgiven you, it doesn’t matter what others thing. You are loved and accepted in God’s family. The blackmailer has no hold over you.
If there is a niggling thing, big or small, that you prefer to keep hidden – bring it to God. Tell God about it honestly and then let it go. Once you’ve brought it into God’s light it no longer has any power and you are free.
Shame is dangerous – don’t let it rule you. Let God’s grace wipe it away.
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