FACING UP

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 8, 26 July 1983, Page 14

FACING UP

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Open doors can be wonderful. In years gone by people used to keep what was called 'open house' and that term designated their home as one that was open at all times to anyone who might like to call, for any reason whatsoever, or no reason at all. Such homes were always warm friendly places where one could be sure of meeting friendly people and receiving a warm, if somewhat casual welcome. The open door and assured welcome were guaranteed. And it was to that sort of door that would be willingly opened to anyone who might like to call that the Lord Jesus likened Himself when He said in John 10 'I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out.' In Revelation 3.20 He saw Himself as the visitor when He said: 'Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.' He is still willing to be gracious to anyone who will let Him into their heart for this invitation is for everyone who will hear His voice - and response. But it is necessary for us to open the door and make Him welcome. And if we have opened the door and let Christ into. our life, have we allowed Him the run of the house, or are there some doors kept very much shut? Have we some doors marked 'private' perhaps? Do we have some rooms in which

there are secret sins that we prefer others not to see — and certainly not Him? What of the day when everything will be made open? The day when the doors are opened by death or later at God's judgement when all that is done in secret will be made open for all to see, will we be able to bear to look at what will be seen, or will we cringe with shame? Surely it would be better to clean out those rooms now so that the doors may be left open and we have nothing to hide. Not only are there secret doors into shameful rooms, but Scripture talks of other doors. One is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16.9 where a great door, is open to us. In this particular instance the door is referring to opportunities which we should grasp and make the most of. Some opportunities are small, and possibly this is where most of us start, th^fc as we prove ourselves wo^ thy of being trusted with -small things we are given greater opportunities of service for our Lord and Master. So it is important for our spiritual growth of character to not be afraid of opening and entering any door that we find in front of us. If it is not for us to go through we usually very quickly find it shut in front of us. The opportunities for witnessing for our Lord are many and can be most effective if we are willing and careful to let Him into our life and then grasp the opportunities He offers.