Just Beneath the Surface

While cleaning up the yard, and treading lightly through the leaves, I kept thinking how pretty the yard is this time of year. The trees are stunning in their red, brown, and yellow coats. Bright and full mums are center stage in the landscaping. The patches of visible grass are still dark green. And the thin sporadic layer of colorful leaves on the ground are just lovely. But just beneath the surface of those beautiful dry leaves is something vile.

What is Below the Surface

How often are things in life hidden just below the surface? Termites destroy a home while hiding beneath it. Wolf spiders and copperhead snakes hide in holes in the ground. Alligators lie in wait just below the surface of shallow water. Tectonic plates shifting can send vibrations to the earth’s surface resulting in earthquakes. I’ve even heard that Big Foot lives underground, but I can’t confirm that one.

What’s beneath the surface may not be completely hidden, but what is visible is deceptive, like an iceberg. Or the incompetent boss who shows stakeholders professionalism but berates employees then takes credit for their work and blames them for their own mistakes. Like the church deacon addicted to porn. Or the doting father at his children’s functions who abuses his wife and kids behind closed doors. What you see is not always an accurate or honest depiction.

God’s Word describes people like these in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, (ESV), “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” Scripture also warns us about believing every smooth talker we hear. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6, ESV).

Protect Yourself

The previous two Scriptures express that God does not want us to be fooled, taken advantage of, or abused. They point out that deceptive people are everywhere, and God is not okay with them. Since God can see what is lurking just beneath deceitful people’s surface, we need to ask for wisdom, knowledge, and direction to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

If Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, we need to be careful who we trust. Expecting people to be perfect is unreasonable, but guard yourself if your gut is telling you something is off, or there have been subtle clues. Every time there is a random mass shooting, people say they had no warning that something was wrong. However, after interviewing several people, all the stories share overlooked or dismissed red flags. That still small voice telling you to be careful is probably God.

Pain Beneath the Surface

Some people hide what is beneath the surface to prevent people from seeing their pain. A server in a restaurant may be using every ounce of strength to do her job with a cheerful attitude while hiding overwhelming stress. A compliment can give her needed strength and confidence, or a nasty insult can destroy her. Someone struggling through domestic violence is hiding bruises under their clothes and a crushed spirit under jokes at their own expense. Bullied students hide behind moody behavior and isolating themselves.

We never know when the thing someone is hiding beneath the surface is unwanted and toxic, but they are unable to free themselves of it. For this reason, we should try to spread peace, joy, and love wherever we go. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:2, ESV). This Scripture isn’t saying you need to do whatever people want you to do. God doesn’t want you to be a doormat. It means to have the heart of Jesus instead of gossiping, insulting, or tearing people down in general. Your words can hurt, or they can help. Choose to help.

Hidden Talents

Sometimes people hide good things. but hiding something good is bad. Many people fear success so when they get close to being successful, they sabotage themselves. Having talents and abilities are blessings – gifts from God. Use your gifts. Don’t hide them. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV). Gifts don’t have to be spectacular either. Whatever you’re good at is a gift. God will take care of you if you encounter success, so embrace it, don’t run from it. We all have a purpose and God has a plan for us all.

“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). This passage really sums it all up nicely. People who have evil inside their hearts hide what they do to avoid being exposed. Protect yourself from such people and pray that they will choose to come to the light. People who have good and honest hearts walk in the light to give God his due honor. If you are on the side of God, you have nothing to fear. Walk in the light and let your light shine.

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