A Great Cloud of Witnesses

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…”  (Hebrews 12:1, click here for the whole passage)  No, this is not a prophecy about Facebook or Google watching your every move.  This means that the Kingdom of heaven sees.  24-7.  That “great cloud of witnesses” refers to all those saints who have gone before.

Do you find that a comforting thought, or a little frightening?  Perhaps terrifying?  I suppose we all have those dark corners of our lives that we want no one to see.  Sins done in the darkness, thoughts unspoken, obligations ignored.  

My experience and observation is that we simply are better people when we know that others are watching.  Perhaps it should not be so, but it is.

I know that when Charlene is away in Uganda for an extended time, I don’t get more done — in fact I get less done.  I feel worse, sleep worse, eat worse, workout less.  Knowing that someone else sees is a great motivator and is, I believe, one of the great gifts that God has given us.

When you think about that “great cloud of witnesses,” instead of terror that the saints see your foibles, give thanks for the encouragement and let it serve as a motivator, to spur us on to love and good works!

This column is from the August 18, 2019 issue of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.