In the 1980s, my friends and I enjoyed the music of Canadian singer and songwriter Bruce Cockburn. One of my favourite hits of 1985 was People See Through You, perhaps because I thought that one day, justice would be satisfied over cruel and manipulative people who are "big, bad, and scary", as the lyrics go. I've known people like that, who scheme behind closed doors, damaging those who can't defend themselves. "I can see right through you" has the connotation of detecting evil intent, but my hope is that people will see right through me and see the Lord, in the ways that I act and speak as I follow Him. The writer of Hebrews gives us a list of practical ways of following Him, as He directs our lives.
Hebrews 13:1-6 – Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them — those who are mistreated — since you yourselves are in the body also. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)
As we practise in our lives the faith that we have in God's truth, won't people see clearly through us and perceive the Lord? If Christians love each other like family, with deep friendship and brotherly love, being kind to strangers and showing hearts sympathetic to those in trouble, it's a remarkable witness to a suspicious and defensive society. Sexual purity is mocked, and ambition becomes a fancy word for covetousness, so concern for personal integrity and the honour of married life make us stand out as radically different. What will people think when they see through us and find believers who act as if God is always present and the foundation of our contentment? That kind of deep contentment in the Lord has no place for fear, doubt, or sadness. We can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
As we draw nearer to Jesus and learn to see people as He does, we will look for ways to act as He did and invite them into the fellowship of the church, His body.
What will people see, when they see through you? Will your attitude and actions allow them to see God? Let us pray that our lives will be channels of His peace.
Prayer: We thank You, Lord, that You Yourself showed us how to be vessels for service in Your kingdom. Thank You for Your church, where others can come and see what Jesus looks like, through the love and service of the brothers and sisters who worship together. Amen.