The Truth of the Matter

The closer I get to launching Mosaic Community Church, the more afraid I become. Not so much because I'm over my head (though I am), but because of the weight of shepherding, the responsibility and charge that a pastor has as a steward over the lives of people. I'm hearing more and more about (and have experienced, as well, at various times in ministry) pastors who are abusive... either toward the congregation they're supposed to serve, or toward their staff. And usually it has to do with control - it's either "their way" or "the highway." God help us!

But when I stop to think about it, all of us have issues, don't we? We may point the finger at someone else for whatever it is they've done; but when the rubber meets the road, we know the darkness and depravity of our own hearts... the lack of integrity... the "closet" sins... we're really no better than the people we point at or "tsk, tsk" about because of their actions.

God desires truth "in the inward parts" (Ps. 51:6). The Message says it this way: "What You're after is truth from the inside out." God wants us to be honest, to be people of integrity deep down within... because whatever is inside will work itself out. And what we're seeing all around us today - whether it's on our jobs, in our homes... even in the church - is a lack of "truth from the inside out." We're not people of integrity... our hearts are not pure... our deception and wicked actions are hurting people... and God is not pleased.

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Gal. 6:7).

O God, create in us CLEAN hearts... so that we might please You in all that we do.