My Eyes Are Dry

We were talking about a scenario.

A leader of a Christian gathering decided to disguise himself as a beggar and see how the congregation treated him. As it transpired the congregants on the whole either ignored and dismissed him or worse actively shunned him and hoped he would stay out of any prominent place.

When he revealed himself on the stage, he pointed out to the congregants the disparity between the conduct of the saints and the love of the Jesus they professed to follow. As he did this, though, we were talking about what that scenario might have revealed about the effectiveness of his leading.

What would it say about you if after years of being around someone, you still didn’t behave in a way that reflected your association? In as much as we can level responsibility to each individual for their own behaviour, isn’t there also some reflection needed? How much of your life did you display for others to see? What did they see? What did they take on board? It’s one thing to talk at people often, but is there evidence of an example to back up the talk?

It’s one of the most challenging aspects when studying the life of holy men to read them encouraging those who hear them to follow their example. It’s challenging because it demands a standard of integrity that is not content with honesty and a level of inner agreement about flaws and failings. It’s a commitment to following holy examples and being a holy example in the process. It’s not excuse to accept mediocrity whilst at the same time extending grace to others to ensure it’s not about a rigid, legalistic perfectionist model.

It’s a challenge as well because it does require an acknowledgement that from time to time, we can allow the issues of life to overwhelm us and chip away at any good that was being poured out through us. From time to time we have to confess the capacity for a hardening of the heart.

Sincere and well intentioned though our efforts can be, the activity can sometimes be a mask for a lacklustre life in the background. Cold prayers, limp efforts at communing with God, half-hearted efforts in gathering with other saints. Just maintaining the routine, when inside gets dull and any flame of faithful fervour is flickering as though it’s about to ebb away.

There is no shame in acknowledging that, because at least that’s a start to the journey to renewal and restoration – if that’s what you want. That journey won’t be easy, it will require a lot of humility and need to accept the help that’s available. Yet that kind of contrite heart and recognition of walking in brokenness is exactly the kind of conditions in which the Spirit can hover on the brink of ushering in genuine revival.

It just requires that heartfelt conversation with the Maker that says you know how you ought to be – alive to Him.

(Photo by taha ajmi on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden