Exposure: Revealing, Unveiling, and Spiritual Truth

The act of exposure encompasses both positive and negative dimensions—ranging from beneficial life experiences to the revealing of hidden sin.

Positive Exposure: Growth and Maturity

Like many aspects of life, exposure can be used for good or ill. From early stages of development, it is beneficial to be introduced to a wide range of legitimate experiences and opportunities. This exposure helps cultivate a balanced and mature appreciation of the multi-faceted world in which we live (1 Cor 14:20).

Even within church life, exposure to different beliefs and practices can be enriching, provided the Bible remains our guidebook for values and conduct. However, caution is essential—we must not expose ourselves to ungodly experiences or substances, as these can leave indelible effects on our memory and body. Such exposure also opens our lives to the wrong spiritual realm, which seeks to gain unsuspecting victims (1 Pet 5:8).

The Exposure of Hidden Sin

The public revelation or unmasking of something sinful that has been kept secret—such as marital unfaithfulness or financial misconduct—will always bring embarrassment, disgrace, and scandal. This serves as a strong incentive to live a life of integrity, for everything will eventually be made obvious. If not in this life, certainly when we stand before the Lord, for nothing is ever hidden from Him, including our motives (Lk 8:17; 1 Cor 4:5; Heb 4:13).

We should humbly come before the Lord, allowing Him to expose the areas of our lives where sin is lurking and repent of it. The psalmist declares, "Your Word is a lamp...The entrance of Your Word gives light..." (Ps 119:105,130). Consider praying as David did: "Search me, O God, and know my heart...See if there is any offensive way in me..." (Ps 139:23,24). Since God already knows what is within, David was expressing his desire that God would point out anything sinful, so he could repent of it. Do I make myself vulnerable for the Holy Spirit to convict me of sin—whether thoughts, words, or actions that are not God-honouring?

Physical Exposure and Modesty

The private parts of our human bodies should not be displayed to anyone except our marriage partner or for specific medical reasons. Contemporary swimwear and clothing fashions often push boundaries, revealing more than is appropriate. This can give rise to ungodly thoughts and desires in both males and females. Jesus taught that even looking lustfully at a woman constitutes mental adultery (Mt 5:27-28). Therefore, we must take control of our thoughts and guard our minds (Job 31:1; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5).

Exposing Darkness

Paul wrote that we are not to have anything to do with the "fruitless works of darkness" but rather expose them (Eph 5:11-13). Much Christian activism is directed towards bringing social evils to light and protecting the vulnerable from such wickedness. This involves speaking truth, advocating for justice, and standing against corruption in all its forms.

Reflection and Application: