THE SECRET THAT MUST BE SHARED
| Back in 1974 there were two spelunkers who discovered a living cave in the desert outside of Tucson. They were amazed when they saw the still forming stalactites and stalagmites that filled the humid chambers underneath the parched desert floor. They knew that if people found out about the cave they would destroy the timeless beauty of the underground wonder. More times than either of them could count they had seen caves destroyed by the introduction of desert air, oily hands, and dirty sneakers into previously pristine virgin territory. With this in mind one can understand that they would hesitate to share their discovery with anyone, no matter how much joy others would derive from the experience. So, they kept it secret for several years. In fact, they went so far as to keep the cave’s existence a secret from the owners of the land containing the cave. |
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| We sometimes view the gospel in the same way. We know the gospel is a valuable discovery. We believe that others would truly benefit from it. However, we are very concerned about what will happen to the gospel if its just out there for anyone to see and consume. Will it become adulterated? Will people mar the beauty of the gospel with their insensitivity? Finally, will people really appreciate it? All of these are valid concerns. I think we could learn from the two spelunkers in Arizona. They finally realized that the only way to handle their discovery was to develop an approach that preserved and exhibited it. We must hold the same two emphases in tension as we seek to preserve and proclaim the gospel. Keeping it a secret is not an option, and neither is allowing it to become contaminated in the proclamation process. Remember neither extreme pleases God. So go share your discovery with the world! |
Ethan Trout