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Purpose
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The purpose of these email reflections is to stimulate the God-given longing we all have for that which is truly life-giving, and to encourage sacrificing the lesser, more immediate "satisfactions" for the greater, in all areas of life, so that one may Live and share that Life with others!
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Hello ,
We all know that things go on behind closed doors ( sometimes that is our homes ) that if exposed would rock our world and perhaps the world of others. Sometimes survival seems to depend on hiding . . .
- Sheldon Swartz
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Behind Closed Doors
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 "Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." - Jesus, in Mark 4:22,23
What's your emotional response to these words? Is it more like: "Oh, what a relief! Thank God!" or "Yikes, then I'd better clean up my act!" I confess that my emotional response to these words has most often been, "Ooo, ooo. That doesn't sound good to me!" - unless it's not me that's being exposed - then it's not as bad, unless I'm shielding someone I want to protect from the natural consequences of their choices!
But as I look at the context of Jesus saying these words He appears to be saying something other than warning against hiding sin - such as child or spousal abuse, using porn, abusing alcohol or drugs, using God-talk to hide behind, or some other thing that our dark side is nurturing.
Here's the passage in context: He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
What's the hidden thing that needs to be kept in the open, out for everyone to see? Looks like it is one's light, not one's sin! Could it be that the deepest part of us children of God is light? And that the order is to burst through the darkness and all that dims that light, so it be fully enjoyed and become part of God's passion to give others hope for life and light?
Jesus said He is the Light of the world. He also said you are the light of the world. (Matt. 5:14) Yeah. You. Me. "Oh, but it's all about Jesus. He is the only Light." Sorry, you can't get out of it that easy. If He said you are the light of the world, then you are, whether you like it or not! You may be under a bushel basket, but that doesn't change the fact that you are the light in some way. There is something very, very good (even glorious) in you and when that is brought to light it has a way of exposing, through it's dancing flame, all that is keeping the light of others from shining, so that they feel some hope that they also have a light and can let it shine. And this isn't anything to be proud of - you and I can't create light. But it is something to be grateful for - very.
Actually, this bothers me. I think I am more comfortable admitting what is wrong with me - my shortcomings, my failures, my sins, than I am embracing and confessing what is right with me - my love, my compassionate heart, my treasured gifts that I long to share, my faith that with Jesus there is no dark place that needs to be hidden and that He is all about restoring the good that got lost. Somehow the latter seems more vulnerable.
How would I feel if I were living in someone's house but when people come to their door, wanting in, they woudn't let them, saying by their words or actions, "This is not a place you really want to be." And I'm thinkin', "I'm in here. What's the problem? Where I am is a good place to be. I'm living in your house and I'm fine living here. Aren't you? Maybe you could invite yourself into your own house. And why would you keep others out of this very good place to be?"
Maybe I often live as though I don't believe Jesus is living in me/my house. If I truly did, then my inner space is good space (with both of us there, how could it not be?) and I'd want to let that light shine, keeping my doors open so the light and warmth can get out and lighten and warm others.
"O God. Part of me does not like this. I'd like to hide behind what's wrong with me and keep asking you to change me. I'm not sure I like the idea that you are perfectly comfortable with me as I am, having fun in my house as it is. Wish I could be more so. That's the other side. I long to know that You and I are really good together and to live, maybe even dance, out of the joy of that. I believe. Help thou my unbelief. Amen" |
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