I received some great advice the other day. A friend encouraged me to “let them see your heart.” The friend offered it in terms of ministry and leadership. The friend wisely said that a congregation, brothers and sisters in Christ, will be much more willing (and able) to trust, follow, forgive, join and love in return.
After all, what is it that we respond to in Christ? We respond to the love of God in Christ in His living, His dying for us and His resurrection. “We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).” In all that Jesus did, we saw his heart on display. We see His heart, in His strength, but much more clearly in His weakness and vulnerability. We see and are touched by His heart in His willingness and actual pouring out His heart for us – when it is most visible.
To be a pastor, leader and brother and Christ, to “let them see your heart” means a few things. First, I think it means being open and sharing of my love for Christ and for others. Too often we hide these feelings for many reasons – fear, pride, and others. As the heart is of flesh, I think that “letting them see your heart” is also letting others see my flaws and weaknesses or at least not hiding them.
Thinking futher. It’s not just in ministry that “letting them see your heart” is essential. As a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. I am willing to say that the quality and depth of our relationships directly correlates to what degree we “let others see our hearts.”
It could be transforming. It could be scary. It could involve being more vulnerable than usual as well as loss. Not everyone will want to see our hearts. It might scare them too.
But to live in fear…to live in hiding…to live without ever having felt God touch our hearts and in turn letting Him use our hearts to love, encourage and touch others’ hearts…what life is that? I guess we could say it is a kind of winter that never ends.
I used to think that one of the worst and silliest songs of all time was Neil Diamond’s “Turn On Your Heart Light” (don’t laugh…you know you have been humming it the whole time you have been reading this) but there might be something to it…letting all that our hearts can be through Christ, be more visible “for all the world to see.” 🙂
I know, I know, the world and many people in it will find this strange and scary and unfamiliar. And yet…let God, let them, let me even, see your heart as I do the same.
Many thanks and blessings to this a heart-full friend…
Christopher –
This is the first time I’ve received your link. Thank you for this. Its a great reminder – in our all too busy days – and only takes a minute to read. I thought to myself while reading this that your message could also be explained as living honestly. If you believe in Christ and the Holy Spirit, living honestly is love…..and showing what’s in your heart.
Again, I appreciate the invite.
Scott
Amen! Thanks Scott.
Chris, i often forget about how important it is to be vunerable. This is a reminder not to walk around guarded and protected but open. It is scary to be that way but the reward is well worth the stretch.
Thanks brother,
Carmine