WHAT’S BELOW THE SURFACE?

This week, we began the groundwork for the ramp that will eventually be on the east side of the church building. As we dug down, to level the ground, we found an unpleasant surprise. Just below the surface was a fair number of decent sized rocks and pieces of concrete. I’m sure that when they were put there, it seemed like easy fill, and that no one would ever have to remove them. But, we did have to remove them. Sure, it was more work, but the rocks and concrete had to go.

Sometimes it’s unpleasant to discover and/or deal with whatever lies just below the surface … and I’m not just talking about our work project. I think that most people have things that lie just below the surface, that they are afraid to let other people see. It may be a hidden hurt that we just can’t bring ourselves to talk about. Maybe it’s a struggle that we don’t think anyone would understand. Or, perhaps, it’s sin that hasn’t been dealt with, and we don’t think that anyone can tell. While we may be tempted to say that it isn’t hurting anyone, that statement is rarely true, especially when it comes to Christians. We are meant to be interdependent, functioning as a body. Remember 1 Corinthians 12:26-27:

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (ESV)

Whether it’s in a counseling session, when someone finally reveals that hidden struggle and seeks for help, or in life, when that problem or sin is finally confessed and dealt with, there is often a newfound freedom. Let’s face it … secrets always induce fear … fear that someone will find out, or fear of what people will think. And, there are no secrets from God … He sees everything, and still loves you.

Is there something that lies just below your surface? Have you talked to God about it? Is it time to talk to someone else about it? What’s stopping you? Fear? It may not (and probably will not) be easy, but dealing with it is part of being more pliable for the Savior. Remember Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (ESV) Let’s make sure that we are all good ground … pliable clay … for the Master’s use!


In His grip,
Pastor Decker