THE GREAT REVEAL

 

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 

                This is an interesting time of the year. As summer has given away to autumn and eventually to winter, a dramatic transformation has taken place. Things that have been hidden all summer by the lush green leaves of trees and shrubs are now being revealed. As I have been running on the bike path near to me, I have noticed a number of bird’s nests tucked into the crook of trees and shrubs. They were hidden all summer, but are now plain to see. I have also noticed several downed trees in our woods that have been hidden all summer. My new neighbor shared with me that an old enclosure made out of corrugated steel had become visible from his kitchen window. It was an eyesore that he is in the process of dismantling.

                During this time of the year, not only have things been revealed in nature, but in our society as well. During this pandemic, many of the things that have masked things in our society have been stripped away. What has been revealed is at times beautiful and at times not so beautiful.

                We have seen many people reaching out to help others during this difficult time. They have been exploring creative ways to bridge the gap caused by social distancing. There have been many expressions of love and compassion expressed toward those who are struggling the most during this challenging time.

                On the other hand, negative things that have been hidden for a long time have come to the surface. The social unrest and political rancor that we have experienced are only the most obvious reveals. In less dramatic ways, this difficult time has revealed the hearts of people.

                In contrast to acts of compassion, we have seen a rise in selfishness. Recently a restaurant here in Michigan chose to continue to offer in-house dining, in direct defiance of the government’s directives against it. When interviewed about this, some of the participants declared that no one has the right to tell them what they can and cannot do.

                This expression of selfishness is not limited to secular society. It has been revealed within the church as well. In a less blatant way, many churches have demonstrated their inward focus by refusing to abide by the government directives. At a time when the health department is pleading with people to avoid meeting together in large crowds, some churches continue to meet together for worship. At a time when the health department is pleading with people to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, some Christians are refusing to wear a mask. What these actions say to a secular world is that the Church doesn’t really care about the community. Their focus is on themselves.

                My wife saw a post the other day that brings this issue to a head. It read, if you are unwilling to wear a piece of cloth on your face to protect others, don’t talk to me about your Jesus. That statement should be a wakeup call to all Christians. What do our actions say to the world around us about our faith?

                None of us like the restrictions that we are faced with. Life would be easier if we did not have to endure them. But in the face of this pandemic, what is the biblical thing to do? Paul clearly answers that question in Philippians 2:3-4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

                Jesus made it clear that He expects us to focus first on our relationship with God and then on our relationship with others. Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)

                Throughout history, it has been the difficult times that have revealed to true heart of people. Challenging times have also revealed the true heart of the Church. As Americans, we are quick to claim our rights, but as Christians we have submitted those rights to Christ. Our greatest obligation is to live our lives in such a way as to reveal Christ within us. The question we all need to ask ourselves is, during this difficult time, what is being revealed in my life?

1 Peter 2:12

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.