PASTOR'S CORNER

The famous sculptor Michaelangelo is said to have been working meticulously on the back of a statue that was going to be placed in a corner of a room where the back would not be seen. An onlooker questioned the time and work going into what would be hidden to man's eyes. He told the artist, "No one will see it." and Michaelangelo is said to have responded "God will". He was being considerate and faithful to the Lord even if He alone would see it.

The Lord meets with those who love Him. He is all seeing and all knowing. He isn't fooled by those who appear to be religious in public but are willfully involved in secret wrongdoing. He desires our inward heart. He wants to be a part of all we do. There are no secrets with God! He sees us in the light or in the dark. He knows our thoughts whether we are with others or alone. Our motives are laid bare before Him. He doesn't play pretend with hypocrites.

Jesus taught that those who pray in secret will be rewarded openly. He taught that things hidden in secret will be shouted from the housetops. He even spoke that when we give it shouldn't be for attention and glory but so secret that our left hand wouldn't even know what our right hand has done. The Bible teaches that there is nothing hidden but what it shall be brought out in the open. The sum of God's desire for us regarding these teachings is He wants us to be genuine and honest. A pretend relationship isn't a relationship at all. It is theater for the eye. He promises to be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart.

The psalmist said, "Lord, give me an undivided heart". An undivided heart is one without hidden barriers. It makes open and available the whole of a person's life. Some of the greatest joys and blessings are given personally through the Holy Spirit to those who are faithful to the Lord in secret. Experiencing His love in secret is more wonderful than gaining man's approval for appearing to be something we are not. Those who love Him desire to be faithful to Him when no one else is watching. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins on the cross. We have all sinned and fallen short of what pleases Him. But if we place our trust in Him, we are forgiven. Our sins will never be brought up. We are promised eternal life in Christ.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church