"(God) sees everything under the heavens." (Job 28:24 NIV)
One of my favorite pastimes while at the seminary I attended in France was to
play the church organ. As the student representative for the church's bookstore,
I had a key to the church, and often, in the evening when no one was around, I
would sneak in and play to my heart's content. All my life I had dreamed of
being able to play this instrument, but never, until now, had I been given the
opportunity.
I began as a completely unschooled organ player, and the sounds I produced were
far from any that would bring enjoyment. In fact, even the church rats would
vacate the premises whenever I played. But bit by bit I was able to play some
basic hymns, and to my surprise, one day I was asked to play the piano for
worship!
"But I can only play a few hymns," I protested. "I don't play well at all."
"I know you can do it," insisted the worship coordinator.
"Isn't there someone else who could play better than me?" I asked.
"I've heard you play the organ," was her reply. "You play quite well enough!"
Where and when had SHE heard ME play? No one was ever there when I practiced!
Or was there?
It was around this same time that a friend of mine, who had been working for the
Calvin Chapel in Geneva, asked me if I would like to take over his job for the
day. I jumped at the opportunity. After all, the Calvin Chapel had a terrific
organ. If I finished working early enough, maybe I could play it!
I hurried through my tasks on that first day, and when five o'clock rolled
around, I eagerly closed the chapel doors. All alone, I sat down on the organ
bench. Now would be my opportunity! Turning the organ on, I started to play one
of the hymns I had taught myself. To my chagrin, someone applauded!
I jumped around, my face turning pale. The chapel door was wide open, though I
knew I had locked it. That could only mean that the one who was applauding me
was someone with a key-someone in charge! Now I was in trouble!
To my amazement, he encouraged me to continue. I didn't, though. I was too
uptight at having been caught red-handed! Besides, I needed to get back to the
seminary before the cafeteria closed for the evening. Instead, I thanked him
profusely and wished him a blessed evening.
Reflecting on this experience, I now realize that none of our actions can be
hidden. We may be able to fool some people; We may even be able to fool most
people; but we can never fool God. He sees everything we do. We need to ask
ourselves: Am I doing this for the glory of God or to please myself? Our motto
should become: What would Jesus do if He was in my place? Then our actions would
become more geared towards helping others, and selfishness would soon evaporate
out of our lives. We would welcome the guidance of God's Holy Spirit's and we
would live our lives to the glory of God.
What will be your choice? Is anyone around?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.