Hidden Lamps

   ”You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matt 5: 14-15)

   These words Jesus addressed to the disciples were also for all those in the crowd and for us today.  We are His spokespersons to the world at large.  Our sharing of His word may be the only time another hears of Jesus.  If we hide our faith, we are refusing our mission to spread His word throughout the world.

   If we are to properly live our life in Christ we must share our faith with others.  This doesn’t mean that we are to display a holier-than-thou attitude or constantly preach to others.  An attitude of acceptance, love and caring speaks far greater to our faith than pointing out the faults of others.  Pushing our faith on others will only push them away; living our faith is far more likely to reach them.

   The way we present ourselves, the way we act, the habits we display speak to those around us.  If our language is coarse; if we participate in office gossip; if we join in the laughter and acceptance of lewd jokes no one would ever guess that we are Christian.  If we do these things and still speak of our faith, those who are looking for an excuse to reject God will point to us as an example of Christian hypocrisy.

   I’ve seen people at office luncheons who take a moment to quietly bow their heads in obvious prayer when the food arrives.  I believe they are presenting a better example of their faith than one who insists everyone stop and say grace.  The first is living their faith while the second may be simply making a show.  People will react much more favorably to a sincere personal faith than a bragging, self-aggrandizing one.

   Practicing our faith with humility while putting our love of God on display in simple, everyday actions will speak to others and perhaps encourage them to ask about our faith.  Then we may have the chance to share the light of Christ and perhaps light that lamp in their life.

   “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  (Matt 5: 16)