The "Invisibles"

Note: To give Alan time to focus on his annual trip to Malawi, we are publishing articles either from our archives or from guest writers.  This week's article is from Jeff Cox, our webmaster.

Introduction.  They are all around us, often unseen, quietly working "behind the scenes".  Some are doing good while others are doing evil.  Who are they?  What should we do about them?  And what lessons can we learn and apply to our own lives?  These are the questions we'll briefly explore as we consider the "Invisibles" around us.
 
Technology Reveals Physical "Invisibles".  Modern technology enables us to see whole realms formerly invisible to the unaided eye.  Thru technology, we understand invisible mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are everywhere and silently working "behind the scenes", sometimes for good (e.g., penicillin, probiotics, nutrient recycling) and sometimes for evil (e.g., infectious diseases).  The same could be said for their larger cousins in the insect world (e.g., honey-producing bees and disease-spreading mosquitoes).  Even visible things can often go unnoticed while they quietly do good (e.g., utility companies providing natural gas, water, and electricity) or evil (e.g., junk food, lead paint, asbestos insulation).
 
The Bible Reveals Spiritual "Invisibles".  Just like technology in the physical world, God's Word reveals to us difficult-to-see activities from a spiritual perspective – people who are quietly working "behind the scenes", sometimes for good and sometimes for evil.  In both cases we need to be aware of their actions and take appropriate action.

The "Invisible" Workers For Good.  Some people quietly do what is right and beneficial without much fanfare.  Unless we are careful, we can take them for granted when we really need to be thankful.  Examples include:

• Rom. 13:1-7 "Governing authorities … appointed by God … God's minister … for good … an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil".  This includes local police, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials along with vigilant members of the FBI, the Intelligence Community, and those who serve in the military.
• Eph. 5:22-6:3 "Husbands, love your wives … nourish … cherish … Let the wife see that she respects her husband …. Children honor your father and mother".  Often within the family, spouses quietly do what is right and needed.  Sometimes these burdens fall to the wife or mother or single parent.  Are we thankful for their quiet, daily dedication?
• Titus 2:3-4 "Older women … admonish the young women".  Do congregations and young women avail themselves of the wisdom and experience of older, more mature women?
• Rom. 1:20-21 "God … eternal power and Godhead … although they knew God, the did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful."  Do we take for granted the ultimate "Invisible" who blesses us physically and spiritually (Matt. 6:11-13; Eph. 1:3)?

The "Invisible" Workers For Evil.  Some people quietly do what is wrong without much fanfare.  Unless we are careful, we can miss the harm they can do.  Examples include:

• Prov. 22:6 "Train up a child …"  Unfortunately, many school teachers, public school policies, and school peers quietly work to influence our children away from God and His standards of right & wrong.  This includes promoting pro-homosexual "diversity", evolution, situation ethics, dancing, and immodest dress.  As parents and grandparents, we need to vigilant to offset these negative influences.
• Matt. 7:15 "False prophets (teachers) ... ravenous wolves … in sheep's clothing".  A person may seem to be religious, have a theological degree, and/or be in a position of authority as a "pastor", "preacher", or "elder".  But that does not make them miraculously inspirited or infallible.  We need to be on the alert for their departures from the truth of God's Word.

Sometimes We Need To Be "Invisible".  The Bible also reveals situations where we need to be relatively unseen.  Examples include:

•  Rom. 1:29-30 "Being filled with all unrighteousness … whisperers, backbiters"  Prov. 26:20 "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."  Tempted to pass along some juicy gossip?  Be "invisible" and keep your mouth shut!
• Eph. 4:31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Tempted to "unload" on someone and "give them a piece of your mind"?  Better think twice (or three or four times)!
• Prov. 21:24 "A proud and haughty man, … acts with arrogant pride".  Matt. 6:1 "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them." Tempted to shamelessly brag on yourself?  Eat a slice of humble pie and keep your mouth shut while you chew!

And Sometimes We Need To Not Be "Invisible".  And at the same time, the Bible reveals situations where we need to be more visible.  Examples include:

• Matt. 5:14-16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 10:32-33 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven." Tempted to blend in with worldly people, to go along to get alone, or to "not rock the boat"? Better think twice!
• Eph. 6:4 “And you, fathers … bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Tempted to be a "deadbeat" dad, or an "absentee father", or to let everyone else give religious instruction to your kids?  Better "man up" and set forward as God would want you to do.
• Heb. 10:23-25 "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, …  exhorting one another" Tempted to invisibly slip in and out at the local congregation with little commitment to the group?  Better think again!

Conclusion. The "Invisibles" are all around us.  God's Word tells us we need to take heed of their existence and activities.  And likewise, God's Word tells us there are situations when we need to be "invisible" and situations when we need to be "visible". May we have the faith, wisdom, and moral courage to respond as God wants us to.