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the shadows in the Upper Room #LVII
15 years ago
Behind Closed Doors?
Read Luke 12:1-3
Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.
-Luke 12:3 (NRSV)
AT a rehearsal for my role in a musical I was fitted with a wireless microphone that I was usually careful to turn off when it wasn't needed. However, this particular night I forgot to turn it off. When I returned to my dressing room, the "private" conversation between another cast member and me was broadcast over the sound system in the auditorium. Everyone heard me criticize a member of the orchestra. I was horrified and deeply embarrassed. My harsh words didn't match the way I want to present myself.
In the reading for today, Jesus tells his disciples of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who always appeared to be perfect on the outside and were well respected in the community. But Jesus, seeing their thoughts and knowing even their private conversations, warned that the corruption of their hearts would be exposed.
No matter how good we may look on the outside, God knows the true condition of our hearts and the thoughts behind our words. When we are tempted to criticize or gossip or make unkind comments about someone, we can remember Paul's admonition to "let [our] speech always be gracious" (Col. 4:6).
Xavia Arndt Sheffield (Maryland, USA)
Prayer
Lord of life, create in us clean hearts that reflect your love in all our words and actions. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Apologize to someone you've offended.
Prayer Focus
Those whose words hurt others
Read Luke 12:1-3
Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.
-Luke 12:3 (NRSV)
AT a rehearsal for my role in a musical I was fitted with a wireless microphone that I was usually careful to turn off when it wasn't needed. However, this particular night I forgot to turn it off. When I returned to my dressing room, the "private" conversation between another cast member and me was broadcast over the sound system in the auditorium. Everyone heard me criticize a member of the orchestra. I was horrified and deeply embarrassed. My harsh words didn't match the way I want to present myself.
In the reading for today, Jesus tells his disciples of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who always appeared to be perfect on the outside and were well respected in the community. But Jesus, seeing their thoughts and knowing even their private conversations, warned that the corruption of their hearts would be exposed.
No matter how good we may look on the outside, God knows the true condition of our hearts and the thoughts behind our words. When we are tempted to criticize or gossip or make unkind comments about someone, we can remember Paul's admonition to "let [our] speech always be gracious" (Col. 4:6).
Xavia Arndt Sheffield (Maryland, USA)
Prayer
Lord of life, create in us clean hearts that reflect your love in all our words and actions. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Apologize to someone you've offended.
Prayer Focus
Those whose words hurt others
armian
~armian
Amen
TheNewFurry
~thenewfurry
Amen. That verse really spoke to me.
Bardawolf
~timid-wolf
This really spoke to me
