From the Pastor

"The Joy of Honesty”

 The pastor-author, Gordon MacDonald, likens preaching on Sunday mornings to walking down a long hotel corridor. He compares what we see of each other on Sundays to those doors down that long corridor. Behind the doors you pass, private real life things are happening that you can’t see. Sometimes walking down the carpet you hear sounds, — a couple arguing, water running, a TV blaring. Sometimes you hear things you really shouldn’t hear. As a preacher I really don’t know what’s going on behind your door, even as all week I’m preparing a message to speak to your present reality. I’m afraid that mostly hiding behind your doors are your secrets, — your sins, failures, and fears. Right? Hey, me too! Let’s be honest, even as Christians that’s our reality. Have you ever wondered what would happen if you just threw open the door and said, “Hi, I’m John. I’m a sinner?"

Part of the Apostle Paul’s joy was he didn’t care if people knew what was behind his door. He had nothing to hide. In fact, he is totally transparent about his weaknesses. Why? His worst secret was already out. He was an accessory to the crime of murdering a godly disciple named Stephen, which we talked about back on Memorial Day weekend. Now, Paul can say, “Come on in and have a look behind the door. There is nothing you are going to find that is any worse than what you already know about me.” Friends, there’s a strange joy in saying, “I’m a failure! I’m not going to put pressure on myself to keep up a façade of perfection. Sweet Jesus, I need atonement for my sins.”

There is joy in our honesty before God. It is a refreshing relief from the need to be right. You see, we are not perfect people. Instead, we are purchased people. Jesus Christ believed we were to die for. That is the honest truth, and it is should bring all of us true joy!

  Quote of the Week

 "Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience. We need to be light-hearted in what we do to avoid taking ourselves too seriously. It is a cheerful revolt against self and pride.” 

Richard J. Foster

Richard James Foster is a Christian theologian and author in the Quaker tradition. His writings speak to a broad Christian audience. .

Pastor John