Jeremiah 17:9–11; Luke 12:1–12
If you have a smartphone, you are probably aware of this little program installed on it, which is supposedly an assistant. “Hello, Google, Siri, Bixby, Alexa.” This program can be helpful.
Yet, there is often weirdness associated with it. There have been plenty of experiences where Facebook suddenly shows stuff in a person’s feed that they were just talking about. There have even been acknowledged failures where the microphones sent sounds to headquarters when the devices were not being interacted with by their “owners”.
This was not the way Jesus likely intended, “whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on housetops.”
People don’t really want their private lives splayed out on anybody’s hard drive, whether it be the government or corporation. This holds true even when they have nothing to hide. There is a feeling of violation.
The implication of Jesus’ words is that those that seek evil and the downfall of others will eventually receive their reward. Whether it is on the tabloids at the supermarket, the internet entertainment blogs, or the roofs of Heaven itself one’s darkest secrets are fair game when in conflict with the Kingdom of Heaven.
It might sound harsh. However, for many proud hearts it was only when their secrets and shames came out did repentant hearts blossom. Others steadfastly continued their ways and made the way for those who followed easier without compensation.
What many people fear is how they look to their fellow humans. They don’t want their secrets out. They don’t want to be belittled. We all have darkness in us, some more than others.
People will sometimes go to stupid extremes to maintain their secrets, for they fear those who can bring death (whether it be death of name, popularity, riches, or life itself). Often, far too often, they do not fear (enough) the one they will see after their time here on earth is done.
A person of integrity, it is said, does the same in the dark as in the light. It’s a good general rule. It’s probably not 100%.
Just like the world, the church is filled with those who lurk in the dark. Sometimes those who have the greatest darkness hide in the places of greatest light, thinking to hid in plain sight. For who would look for them there?
※Prayer※
Father, you know and judge the hearts of all. Holy Spirit, shape and mold us into hearts of light. Amen.