Treasures in the Closet

Matthew 6:1-18
Monday, 21 April 2008

Occasionally, in a fit of cleaning frenzy or to bemoan a change in dress size, I clean out my closet. Although I don't do it often, whenever I do clean the closet, I find items that I had lost or had wondered about - articles of clothing that had fallen off their hangers, jewelry or money in pockets, etc. Odd, isn't it, that when we think of "closets," we imagine skeletons instead of pondering the treasures that are hidden in them?

Jesus is in the midst of his most famous teaching, known as the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout this discourse, the Master instructs his disciples and the listening crowd about the distinction between the follower of Jesus and the ordinary person. Literally and figuratively, Jesus' followers are always called to go the extra mile. But what we are not called to do is to create public displays of piety for the entertainment of the world around us or for the advancement of some personal agenda, such as the praise of people. Prayer, fasting, and the giving of alms all are integral to the spiritual walk, but the audience for those pious acts is God and not people. Go into your room (the King James Version says "closet") and shut the door, and trust that the God who sees in secret will give an open reward.

There is a sweetness about the presence of God that can only be known in solitude. While there is much about the Christian way that is communal, some of our time and energy have to be given to God alone. We know that sharing secrets with a friend builds intimacy and bonds. Likewise, sharing secret time with God in the secret place binds us to God and to God's purpose for our lives. Take the time to discover the treasures in the prayer closet, knowing that the secret of our intimacy will eventuate in open and public rewards.

Sing, "More Love to Thee"

Take the time to pray your own private prayer.