“Under the advice of my legal counsel, I reserve the right to remain silent.”

The defendant was pleading the Fifth. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives a person the right not to answer questions if those answers could incriminate him. It protects someone from being compelled to testify against himself. But it does not erase the evidence, stop an investigation, or guarantee that he will not be found liable or guilty if sufficient evidence exists.

Would I ever plead the Fifth?

As a physician, I know that words matter. Even an honest statement can be misunderstood or taken out of context. If I were ever involved in a lawsuit, I would almost certainly follow my attorney’s advice about what to say—and when not to say anything at all.

But if I’m honest, I don’t just defend myself in a courtroom. I defend myself every day. When I hurt someone’s feelings, my first instinct is to explain why I reacted the way I did. When I make a mistake, I want people to know the circumstances. When I’m criticized, I naturally want to justify my actions. Like Adam in the Garden of Eden, I find it easier to explain my sin than to confess it.

One day, however, I will stand before my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On that day, there will be no hidden evidence, no forgotten facts, and nothing concealed from the One who already knows every thought, every motive, every word, and every deed.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)

That verse would leave me with no hope—if it weren’t for the gospel. When I stand before God, I won’t be able to plead the Fifth. Remaining silent won’t change anything because nothing is hidden from Him. He already knows every sin I have ever committed.

But the greatest news in history is that I won’t stand there alone. Jesus Christ has already taken my place. He bore the punishment my sins deserved. My hope won’t rest on anything I can say—or choose not to say. It will rest entirely on what Christ has already done. I won’t need to defend myself. My defense will not be my testimony.

My defense will be my Savior.

That truth doesn’t make me want to hide from God. It makes me want to come to Him now—confessing my sins honestly, receiving His grace gratefully, and living each day to honor the One who knows me completely and loves me perfectly.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

#faith #trustinggod #christianity #jesuschrist #bible #seekinggodswill #truth #sanctification #godisincontrol #godhearsourprayers #salvation #providenceofGod #pleadingthe5th #Hebrews4:14

YouTube@theBereansblog