“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:24-31
Jesus encourages us to be open in our conduct and dealings with others, for there are those who operate as if what they do will not be discovered. He warns “there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (v. 26). Their actions will eventually be revealed for what they are and all will be responsible to God, who sees everything.
Our actions can’t earn us a place in heaven, only acceptance of Jesus as our savior can redeem us; but what we do here on earth and how we treat each other has weight in the eyes of the Lord. Jesus has taught us in many ways that our care for our brothers and sisters is an essential part of being included in the kingdom. We can’t proclaim Christ as our master and act as if He isn’t.
Being open and truthful in our daily living is essential. It allows others to see the love of Jesus at work and the joy of being in connection with Him. By being living witnesses for Him, we share the Good News in more than words, showing the world that our risen savior is with us all.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the love You teach and share with us. Help us to be carriers of that love to all people. Amen.