Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 2)

"What we are in secret is what we really are."

N.T. Wright

This is probably one of the most convicting quotes that hangs on my wall. It is a short sentence with few words but it packs a punch. I am a pastor and people (whether I like it or not) have expectations of me. I am expected to be moral, pure, genuine, caring, truthful, trustworthy, a lover of God, a man of prayer, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager, a preacher of God's Word, or in other words I am expected to be one step shy of Superman (at least a Spirit-filled one).

As I stated, these are some expectations people place on me... But what am I when I am alone in my office, at home, or at a place where no one can see what I am up to? If you were to observe me in any of these settings it would speak volumes as to who I really am. Do I read God's Word when nobody's watching? Am I kind to my family when it's just the six of us? Do I pray when I am alone? The list goes on.

I know you know that I know I am not even remotely close to being a hint of perfect. I also assume (you know what that means) that that you know I don't sit around and pray, read the Bible and preach at people all day long either. I am a man who is human and I have flaws (more than I care to share with you). I don't always pray when I should, nor do I study God's Word as diligently as some and I definitely have moments of doubt and questioning.

So what am I in secret? My prayer is that I am the same person when I am around many people... a flawed individual who is striving by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God and reflects the Jesus who is in me. Some days I do this well and other days I fail miserably. However when I do fail I am constantly reminded by this 8 x 10 black picture frame that hangs on my wall "What we are in secret is what we really are."

May my secret life be the same as my public life.

Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 1)

"Sin disunites the most united hearts: It is the bane of holy fellowship."

George Whitefield

I love quotes. I mean who doesn't? I peruse Facebook and read quote upon quote day after day of friends statuses of meaningful quotes. I think I may be a quote hog? Whenever I read a book (generally non-fiction) I like to keep a pen or highlighter in hand to note quotes that really speak to me. I am not a person you would probably want to borrow or buy a book from because of all the underlining and notes I make. Quotes really make me happy.

If I come across on I really like I will open up my ancient version of Microsoft Publisher on my computer and copy the quote into the program. Then I give it a fun colorful font (with a shadow or outline for curb appeal) and tape or tack it up on my wall. I have been doing this for years. In fact for fifteen years I have been in ministry I have only acquired about two handfuls of quotes that have made the honorable transition from book to eye catching MS Publisher document that hangs on the wall.

This past weekend was my 41st birthday and for a present my wife bought me six picture frames and put some of the quotes in these frames so I could hang them on the wall in my office. This was a very thoughtful gift and I just (moments ago) finished hanging them (hopefully I didn't bug our youth pastor too much with all the hammering). As I was positioning these special quotes in just the right places on my wall I thought it would be fun to blog about them and how they impacted me so much. So, Lord willing, I would like to post a quote throughout the days and weeks and write about it and share with you a little of my heart.

The quote above from George Whitefield is probably one the most (definitely in the top three) favorite quotes simply because of the truth factor and reminder of the horrible consequences of sin. Since the creation of humanity sin separated fellowship between us and God. It was because of sin man and woman were cast out of the garden. It continues today to put up barriers between God and humanity. Sin not only creates a barrier between God and people; it also the main factor that ruins true godly fellowship we have with each another. I am often reminded of what the presence of unrepentant sin in one's life has done to sever the fellowship I have had with those who I love. Whether it is my own sin or the sins of others it is without a doubt the main thing that has broken holy fellowship between myself and others. This is why I hate sin.

On the contrary the unsettling thing for me is I claim to hate sin, yet it seems I find myself running to it more than I from it. Why is that? I wish I had the answer. I do know that when I allow sin to run unchecked in my life I feel distant from God and separated from other believers. I also acknowledge the destruction and hurt sin can and does produce in a family, church, small group or individual, yet I/we allow it to run rampant in our lives.

Only by the grace of God can I find forgiveness in Him and pursue the life of holiness He calls us all to. I will never reach sinless perfection in my lifetime but through the power of the Holy Spirit I can (and Lord willing) and will allow God's presence in my life to overshadow the temptations of sin that are ever before me. Words cannot express how much I enjoy fellowship with God and with fellow believers and I am thankful we have the privilege of having both. My hope and prayer for my life is for unity with God the Father and unity among fellow believers. Will you pray for and with me as I seek more joy in fellowshipping with God and believers than I do in pursuing the "pleasures" of sin.