Unseen
Moments of Solitude: The Crucible of Transformation
Throughout Scripture, we see God calling His chosen servants into periods of solitude. These aren't merely moments of rest, but crucibles of transformation where the unseen work of the Spirit takes place. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading the Israelites. David, though anointed as king, spent years in caves and wild places, penning inspired psalms that would echo through eternity. Even Jesus, "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Consider Elijah's experience on Mount Horeb. After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal, he fled in fear and discouragement. God didn't rebuke him but invited him to "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord" (1 Kings 19:11). In the silence that followed the wind, earthquake, and fire, Elijah heard the "gentle whisper" of God, restoring his soul and redirecting his mission. These moments of solitude aren't about escaping responsibility, but about encountering God in the depths of our being. It's in these unseen places that we're stripped of pretense, faced with our true selves, and molded by the Master's hands. As the Psalmist declares, “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10. In our hyper-connected world, do we dare to disconnect, to seek the face of God in the quiet places? It's there, in the unseen, that our greatest victories are won.
The Peril of the Exhibitionist: Beware the Hollow Applause
Our culture idolizes the spotlight, tempting us to showcase every deed, thought, and prayer. But Jesus warns us against this exhibitionist spirit: “Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:1. This isn't just about overt boasting; it's about the subtle ways we seek human approval over God's. Remember Simon the sorcerer, who tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19). His desire for spiritual showmanship revealed a wicked heart. Contrast this with the humble widow who gave her mite in secret and was praised by Jesus for her unseen sacrifice (Luke 21:1-4). Even in our struggles, we must guard against the temptation to become exhibitionists of our own despair. While there's a place for vulnerability and seeking support, constantly parading our problems can become a form of attention-seeking that hinders true growth. As Paul exhorts, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” — Romans 12:21. True strength is often forged in unseen battles, fought on our knees in prayer.
Audience of One: Living for the Eternal Applause
In a world obsessed with likes, shares, and views, we're called to a radically different metric of success. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10. This isn't about disregarding others, but about prioritizing our ultimate audience: God Himself. When we truly grasp that we live before the "audience of One," it revolutionizes our actions, attitudes, and ambitions. No longer do we need to perform for the fickle applause of the crowd. Instead, we find freedom in knowing that “The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” — 1 Samuel 16:7. This perspective transforms even our most mundane tasks into acts of worship. Whether you're helping your neighbor or preaching to thousands, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23. In the unseen moments, when no one else is watching, we have the opportunity to offer our truest, purest devotion to God.
Temple of the Holy Spirit: Unseen Renewal of Body and Soul
Our journey of unseen growth isn't just spiritual, but bodily as well. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19. This truth calls us to steward our physical and mental status with the similar reverence we give to spiritual disciplines. In the unseen moments we're called to honor God with our bodies. This might mean making wiser food choices, prioritizing rest, or engaging in regular exercise – not for the praise of others, but as an act of worship to our Creator. Equally important is the unseen work of renewing our minds. In a world bombarding us with messages contrary to God's truth, we must actively "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This involves guarding what we allow into our minds, meditating on Scripture, and cultivating thought patterns that align with God's Word. Remember, the unseen work you do in caring for your body and mind is not in vain. It's preparing you to be a vessel fit for the Master's use, ready for every good work He has prepared for you.
In Him,
Tim and Will