“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
Many of us hide our faith. Not because we fear for our lives, as some Christians in the world do. Not because we don’t know the grace and peace that comes from our Heavenly Father. No, we hide our faith because we fear what other people will say.
We fear that they will ridicule us, saying that we are old-fashioned or stupid to believe in something we can’t see or touch. We fear that they will call us hypocrites because we aren’t perfect or don’t fit the “image” of a Christian. We fear that they will turn away, uncomfortable with our beliefs.
I’ve felt this way. I bet you have, too.
I never had the experience of being converted, the dramatic moment when God speaks to me and my eyes are opened. I grew up in a faith-filled home, attended church weekly and church functions even more often. I was never touched personally by evangelism, so I flounder at the thought of being an evangelist myself.
The calling to spread God’s word isn’t for everyone. And it is for everyone. Maybe you and I won’t be the next Billy Graham, but we might be Billy Graham in our own homes. In our workplaces. In our friends’ houses.
We are the light. It shines from within us, powered by God and his word, recharged by the Spirit and the power of prayer. Covering up that light is a waste of both the light and the energy it takes to contain it. Let it shine.
Be the light that brightens your entire house, the hearts and minds of your children, your spouse, your best friend, and the person sitting next to you at the office. You were never meant to hide. Your faith is one of the most beautiful things about you. Show it off to the world, no matter how big or small it might be.
Have a bright and beautiful Monday!
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