I am heavy this morning for the brokenness of many believers. People who have loved and served the Lord, but through disappointment and discouragement lose their way. Some of these continue to behave as though they are true followers, while they are in the company of Christians.

They behave in ritual form and function, but reside behind "whitewashed walls."

Oh that we as a body would offer up encouragement and truth to one another in the wake of open sinfulness...at least open to others who also choose to denigrate their flesh.

When I fail, how I wish someone would recognize my "tell" and confront me in love and encouragement. We are very good at judging one another, and alienating the very ones who need our assistance. We are professionals at trying to hide our secret sins...from ourselves.

What we do in perceived veiled darkness is often on display in ways we fool ourselves into thinking cannot be seen. We live in the age of streamlined technology, where we can eavesdrop on each other with keystrokes. Hi-definition monitors let you count the blades of grass on athletic fields or reveal shards of individual sin, sown in a garden of obscurity.

What is done in the cover of darkness is illuminated, yet we act as if we alone have 20/20 vision. We collect friends who act as the false prophets of old. They tell us lies, gilded with alluring aromatic juxtaposition to help us conceal truth. We hear what we want to hear...it has become a sweet refrain to soothe our perpetual discontent.

Where is Jesus?

He has not moved. His presence brightens the path, one step at a time. Our footing is secure if we remain on elusive narrows. Too often we choose sidetrips of gluttony in radiant depths of widening deceit.

What is the "turn factor?"

When will His Holiness be enough?

The death toll mounts as we recline behind eroding walls of contentment!


dad