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Psalm 69:6-12  

Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me. For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

Sometimes we take a narrow view of sin. We believe our sin is personal and private. We tell ourselves, “I am not hurting anyone.” We believe that our actions are somehow contained to just our lives. But…that understanding of sin is flat-out wrong. 

David understood that sin spreads. He prayed that others would not be disgraced because of his actions. David acknowledged his powerful influence as a leader. He requested, “May those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” 

Be reminded that your sin will not stay contained. Whether blatant and open or secret and concealed, the effects of sin seep from our lives and contaminate others. Sometimes the impact of sin goes before us and sometimes it trails behind us, but it will show up sooner or later (1 Timothy 5:24).

Father, don’t let me be deceived into thinking that my sin will not hurt others. Wake me up to the truth of Your Word and pierce my heart with conviction that leads to true confession. In Jesus’ name. Amen.