14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5: 14 - 16
Which part of these verses do you think the modern church does the best? If you take a truly honest look at the church you would have to say it is the part about putting it’s light under a bushel.
In churches today our light is hidden from those considered secular and worldly for fear that they will somehow corrupt it or put it out. Those that are the most effective at keeping their light hidden from the “unsaved” are revered as righteous and holy for not contaminating their light.
The light is proudly displayed to others who already have it as a status symbol of membership in the club and everyone pats each other on the back for having it. All the while many of those worldy and secular people are looking for light out of their darkness, yet we wrap ourselves so tightly in our “Christian” cocoons that they can’t find it.
It’s time Christians stepped out of their comfort zones and let their lights shine before men. Perhaps if we let others see our light they might believe we have something worthwhile.
God Bless!
Mark
April 21st, 2008 - 8:09 am
Mark,
I agree, we are quite good at hiding our lights, and as you point out, considered righteous for doing so. Now let me push us a little bit. What are some ways that we can step out of our comfort zones and let our lights shine? It’s one thing for us to critique the church (and I’m pretty good at it), but guite another to become ourselves what we were meant to be. I may have some suggestions here a little later. What’s your list?
April 27th, 2008 - 11:52 pm
My list would go something like this:
1) Do our best to let our actions be a witness that we follow Christ . I think this is the most important one. Most people who look unfavorably on those of us who claim to follow Christ do so not because of the things we say, but our actions. Words are cheap. Until we show them something they can respect in ourselves we will not draw them to want what we have.
2) When we actually get the chance to speak to someone about our faith we should be ready to show them Christ, not our church or denomination. People aren’t looking for religion.
3) Let the spirit lead us as to which times we should be letting our actions be our witness and which times we should be opening our mouths.