What an ominous phrase, “in the shadows!”
We often think of the shadows as a place where evil lurks, and in part this is true.
“For everyone who does wicked things hates
the light and does not come to the light,
lest his works should be exposed” (John
3:20, ESV).
Not all deeds done in secret are evil. This week I’d like to bring to light some of the good deeds done in secret, and encourage all of us to do more of the same.
The plant world is no different. Many of the things associated with the relative darkness in the shade of a house or tree are detrimental.
In our yard, anything put in the shady places is subject to being devoured by the voracious snail and slug population that lurks in the dampness of the shade. Fungus and mold thrive in the low light, giving rise to plant diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, or damping-off disease.
Now that we have some established trees in our garden, I have started to research and collect some shade- loving plants. Overall, I’m pretty excited about them.
Last year I started growing Heuchera, or Coral Bells. It has been several decades since I grew this once mundane plant. In the past few years, hybridizers have done some fabulous things with this genus; and all manner of spotted, veined, multi-color, and even neon colors have been introduced.
Then there are the lovely hydrangeas! My favorite this year came from a plant swap, from a lady who bought several on clearance and swapped with me for a start of some iris.
In the spiritual realm, I have witnessed many things done in secret; many good things. Matthew 6 draws a huge contrast between people who demand attention for their good works and those that do not.
“But when you give to the needy, do not let
your left hand know what your right hand is
doing” (Matthew 6:3).
The concept here is to do good whenever and wherever we see the opportunity, and not to make note of how much time or money we have contributed toward spiritual things or benevolent works.
What I love about this passage is that it seems that our own good works are supposed to be “in secret,” even to ourselves. Doing good things should be a way of life, not a task to be checked off a list.
Some of the hardest workers in the church are sometimes those who are the least noticed: The volunteers who put out a bulletin, or send out cards or visit the sick, or the people who clean up the church building so that it is a pleasant place to worship.
Then there are those kind actions that nobody finds out about, ever–the sweet couple and their family who bring groceries and gas money to the person who just lost his job, the woman who takes a young mother’s children out to the park so that their Mommy can get some rest. The list goes on, but then again, there really is no list.
Many kind things are done daily by unassuming Christians who take it upon themselves to make the world a better place.
My new heucheras and hydrangeas may be in the shadows, but they will shine like no other plants in the cool shade during our hot Tennessee summers. Once discovered by the visitor strolling through the garden, I hope they are a delight to the heart.
May our good works done in secret be a delight to our Maker.
–by Christine Berglund @ www.forthright.net