THE INTERMITTENT WORD ... 25 June, 2014 Do you know how to keep a secret? Some people do, and some dont. We treasure those friends who know how to keep a secret, because we feel like we can trust them with our burdens. We feel like they genuinely care about us. As Walt Whitman said, Our names are safe in their mouths. God also delights in people who can keep a secret, especially when its a secret about themselves. Jesus invites me to do good, and to do it in secret. That last part is difficult. When we do something good and right, something helpful and loving, we want everyone (or at least someone) to know about it. We want to be acknowledged, appreciated, admired. But Jesus points to a different path. He says, When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father. who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matt 6:3-4) His point is unmistakable. He wants me to be anonymous. But do you know why? Its because anonymity is where the greatest joy is found. When you serve someone for no other reason than to help them and to please God (rather than some other audience) you experience a kind of satisfaction that cant be found anywhere else. When you serve in secret, you discover a hidden joy. Dont think so? Give it a try. I invite you to serve someone in secret this week. Make it tangible. Make it real. And then watch what happens to your heart. You will find that your Father is a whole lot nearer to you than you knew. Ill see you on Sunday. Be true!
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:37:45 +0000