1 John 3:18-19
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.
As part of my Master’s Degree in Sociology, I studied a book about the difference in the way we want others to see us versus the way we are when we think we are not being observed by the people we want to impress. One example that I recall was the way waiters in an upscale dining room acted while serving guests compared to their behavior in the kitchen area with other staff members.
I once officiated at a military committal service for a decorated Navy veteran at a National Cemetery a little over an hour from our home. I asked my dear wife to ride with me and keep me company. It was a lovely day, and when we arrived at the shelter where the ceremony was to take place, I was directed to park at just the right location for Joyce to observe the service from the car.
The military contingent marched forward carrying the folded flag. The rifle detail fired three salvos; the flag was unfurled and as the military members saluted, a bugler played out the somber notes of the taps. It was inspiring to have four military personnel standing at parade rest while I recited Scripture and made spiritual application about the reality of eternity. The military detail concluded its portion of the service by presenting the flag to the widow, and then marched out of sight behind a wall.
As Joyce and I drove away, she reflected on what she had seen from her vantage point. The military detail had been so polished and regimented during the ceremony, but after they disappeared behind the wall, a change took place. She watched as stiff formality dissolved into casual laughter and gestures of relief.
Before we say anything critical of these young, brave service personnel, let us stop and consider our spiritual behavior. How many times have we put on a false facade of piousness? If we face ourselves in God’s mirror of truth—the Bible—what will we see?
If ever there were a time for authentic Christianity, it is now! We need men and women who will stop putting on a spiritual show and start living as authentic believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are people looking at the way we live—not just when we are in church, but every single day of the week. There are no “time outs” when it comes to serving Jesus. We should be the same “behind the wall” as we are when we’re called upon to minister. On stage or off stage—we need to be real soldiers of the cross! AT ALL TIMES!
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil