day 608: Closed Door Meetings

"But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!"

When the door closes at work it usually means that something is about to be talked about that someone is not supposed to hear. Of course, confidentiality is important, but many times in our work, the door closes to say things that we want to say because we don't want to say them in front of others because it would be uncomfortable or disconcerting. it's just easier to cut ourselves off from others for a few minutes or hours. How refreshing it would be if all could be planned, talked about, debated, and agreed upon with the door really always being open. But, it doesn't work that way. We close the doors and small groups of people make big and important decisions that can affect everyone. However, if we lived and worked consistently like this we would never receive the benefit of knowledge and growth that we can obtain from others. This past weekend my Pastor used the metaphor of a giant tree and how what is below the surface, in the root system, that we never see is what feeds, grows, and stabilizes the tree.

When we metaphorically operate with the doors closed, we are not opening ourselves up below the surface and we are limiting ourselves. When we feel like closing the door, retreating, or staying insulated, then we are surely not growing. Jesus told us this about our relationship with Him. He is the vine. We are the branches. When we are connected to him we grow and all things become possible. When we don't, then we cut ourselves off from Him and we will whither. Today, you are going to have times when you want to "close the door". Let's today not close the door but instead be open to allowing ourselves to expand, grow and develop in full light and with full disclosure.

Reference: John 15:17 (New Living Testament)