I know it is true about me, and I know it is true about you.  There is more about us than we reveal or even know ourselves.  Just like an iceberg, we might be visible to many, but that is just the “tip of the iceberg”. Even the people closest to use know about some of the things just beneath the surface, but they don’t know the magnitude.

We can work real hard to make sure that all the visible areas of our life are in good order. That what is seen is impressive. We can sit back and marvel at how great things have changed over the years and how far we have come. We even get into comparisons with others and we really begin to like and even cherish what we have become. Yet below the surface, it is not so pretty.

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. – John 3:20-21 ESV

Those messy things that we are ashamed of, we just leave laying beneath the surface.  When you look at the picture, the shadows of what lies below is darker and darker the deeper it gets, because it is further away from the light.

In reality, we are sinners and we will make mistakes and we will hurt people. Not intentionally, but it is inevitable in this broken world.  What we are accountable for is being honest with ourselves and those around us. We do not need to be ashamed of our past or current situation.  We need to shine light on our dark areas. We need to warn those closest to us about what dangers are below the surface.

It is not what is seen that will cause the damage, it is what is hidden beneath the surface.

Let us continue to work on our own inventory, our own testimony. Let us explore, understand, repent and transform our darkness into light. Let us be healthy contributors to our community and families. Regardless of our pasts, let’s grow and learn through trials and experiences.  You are magnificient and you are glorious, but you are still dangerous and you can damage a lot. Let’s take responsibility for what we can expose and address, and let us be honest about the things that lie below that we cannot overcome yet.