I just returned from spending a week on Jekyll Island with 67 seventh graders. We were there for a five day science field trip to study God’s amazing creation, and the amazing God who did the creating. While chaperoning on this expedition, I got to learn about ecosystems, animal classifications, the characteristics of barrier islands, and the condition of my own heart.
Here is what I re-discovered: Deprive me of sleep, solitude, and stillness and the result is not a pretty sight. Take me out of my comfort zone, apply a little stress and presto – sin abounds! Oh, I can go through the motions and keep up the right image, but on the inside selfishness, a critical spirit, and insecurities can run rampant. I might be able to fool those around me, but I can never fool the One who dwells within me. He does not look at the outward appearance but sees straight through to my heart. He sees how prone I am to look out for my own interests, how quickly I can condemn those around me, and how easy it is for me to try to and look good in the eyes of others- yuk!
Still, I am thankful for God’s faithfulness in exposing the ugliness that yet resides in my heart. I know that His aim in doing so is not condemnation, but rather to cleanse me and to conform me to the glorious image of my Savior. I was created to enjoy and display God’s glory, and He loves me too much to turn a blind eye to anything in me that hinders this purpose from being fulfilled. I long for the day when my depth with God is so great that my outward circumstances have little effect on my inner condition, but until then I’ll just keep trusting that He will continue the work that He has started and won’t stop until He sees His Son shine forth in me.
