"You're always a public person."
Yes, it's true. If you serve a church as minister, pastor, priest, or deacon, you are always a public person.
But then, if you are a leader in any civic organization, you are also "always a public person." Sometimes you are so well known that everyone refers to other family members as "so-and-so's" wife, husband, father, mother, son, or daughter.
What I wanted to do, when I conceived the idea of this blog is confront the reality that if you are a Christian you are always a public person, and you are always seen.
You are seen when you least expect it.
It amused me when I was serving as a pastor of a congregation, that people would suddenly shift their behavior when I entered into the room. They would say something to the effect, "not in front of the pastor." As if I had some tremendous power to bring judgment on them. My thinking was, if they didn't want me to see or hear what was occurring, then wouldn't they not want God to see or hear? HELLO....God is the original "Santa Claus"... always watching... "sees you when you're naughty, and sees you when you're nice."
You are seen by God.
You are known by God.
And, most importantly, you are loved by God.
God knew you before you were born and loved you then. God loves you now.
Psalm 139 is our source for believing this.
God loves you regardless of how many times we fall short of the measure of perfection.
But that doesn't mean we can take our imperfections lightly. God accepts us now though we are imperfect, but also desires to transform us into the best that God wants us to become.
Today, start this day with the words of Psalm 139 and let this be a place of meditation.
Be still and know that you are loved, as a public person, but also as God's child.
Strive this day, to behave without any guilt.
Embark on this process of life changing transformation by inviting God to direct your steps today.
Repeat daily..
Shalom for today.
Very nice Barbara, what a great start to new year!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your endeavor!
Curt