"Come Into My Bathroom!" (Hebrews 4:13)

When visitors come to my office, I usually give them a quick tour of the reception area, break room, and offices. The last room I insist they tour is the bathroom. Not surprisingly, they are amused by this request and ask for clarification.

“Yes. Come into my bathroom!” I proudly exclaim.

In the bathroom, plastered upon all the walls, are numerous medical journal articles that my dermatology residents have recently published. Next to these are clinical photographs of unusual dermatologic diseases which I use as a teaching props for visiting residents and medical students. And on nearly every free space on the wall, are my favorite Bible verses. It is not possible to spend time in that bathroom and not be exposed to an eyeful of dermatology and God’s Word!

Many a visitor and employee have spent a much longer time in the bathroom than expected. In fact, word has gotten around to colleagues who have asked to see the bathroom! Even for those who are not believers, they have remarked that it was refreshing to read the Bible verses. I inform them that these verses are placed there not to make myself appear “holier than thou” but to continually remind myself how weak my faith is and how I need to be cling to God’s Word every moment of the day.

And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)

We do not usually speak so freely about private rooms in everyday conversation because it may be perceived as an inappropriate topic. We prefer to keep it hidden. Like the bathroom, there are many areas of my life that I would prefer not to discuss. I am ashamed of many things I have done in my life. Occasionally, these episodes from the past return and I want to avoid it. But I am only trying to hide it from man and myself.

My life is completely exposed to God. All of my sins and thoughts are known to Him. I cannot hide it or pretend it did not happen. I can only come before God and know that because I have confessed and repented of my sins to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, He has forgiven me.

In a private bathroom and in the secret recesses of my soul, God’s Word stands as a testimony of His faithfulness to me.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.