“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)
I imagine if every true believer was represented by a light bulb and wonder how many bulbs would be on right now? You know why? It’s because not everyone who identifies as a Christian truly believes. And for those few that believe, a majority stay hidden. For some, the gifts, talents, and beliefs stay hidden and they are not able to stand for what they believe. Whilst for others, the summation of their faith is a memory of their baptism, nothing more. Out of fear of being ostracized, Christians have chosen to remain silent instead of doing the work as ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven. I can guarantee you this, some unbeliever’s light shines brighter than most Christians. Some have done great and mighty things that are reflective of God’s glory.
I remember a conversation I once had with Christian brethren who had no problem bribing then asking God for forgiveness afterward. I was saddened to know that this had become a trend in Christian circles. Is this really what we have come to? To compromise to such extents? To take God’s grace for granted? We speak of faith and live-off fear. We are afraid to stand out. Year in year out we make resolutions to impact our communities, country, and world. But what are we doing? I wanted to know what God said about this and was led Hebrews 10:26-27 where He says to us ‘…if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies’.
We have inventive and innovative ideas but want to use methods everyone else has used. You want to pioneer in business in a particular industry yet you abide by the laws of the world. What’s distinct about you then? As a Christian, how can one distinguish you from someone who doesn’t know Jesus? It’s the world’s way of becoming successful, the world’s way of making money, the world’s way of building relationships that lead to marriage. Dr. Bill Winston once said, “We cannot transform a system we are a part of”. If we adapt to the world’s ways, how then can we bring change?
Are there still men and women out there who are willing to stand by the teaching of the Word of God? Isn’t this the foundation of our faith after all? Are there no Christians who are willing to go where God says go and sacrifice what God tells us to let go of. Jesus made it very clear, ‘“…..if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.’ Luke 14:33. This doesn’t mean you go broke or stuck with what you do not want, no. In fact, God’s will is that you prosper and live in the fullness of joy. It simply means giving over your time and resources for his service. It’s giving up control over the things that are in your possession. You then become a steward, rather than an owner.
Let your speech, actions, decisions both in secret and public glorify God. The study text teaches us that as light has the tendency to fill up a room when it’s on, it should be the same with us too. God did not create us to be hidden, instead when we enter a person’s life or an environment, there should be radiance that is evidence of God at work. As members of the Body of Christ, we all have assignments to fulfill, we are called to live by and live out our faith.
How many times have we been quick to search everywhere else but the Word of God? How many times have we looked up ways to become successful and not queried the God who gives the ability to make wealth? Or looked for remedies without placing a demand on the stripes of Jesus Christ? What does this say about us? With a fearful and hopeless generation, there is no better time to speak up but now. Share with a friend where your hope lies. At a time when people are dying without knowing Jesus, why not step up and tell them about the one who saves, Jesus Christ. Child, light up the world!
Someone needs to hear this, share with a friend. We all need to action it, its our mandate
