Matthew 5:14-15 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be
hid. Neither do men light a candle, and
put it under a bushel, but on a candle stick; and it giveth light unto all that
are in the house.”
This verse is EXTREMELY powerful, and in my mind one of the
most important for us Christians. Jesus
Christ himself says here in the verse that we are to show others that we are
Christians, and that the way we live is the right way to live. SO many Christians today muffle themselves up
in privacy, under the pretence of contemplation, humbleness, self-preservation
from the ‘vices of the world’……NO YOU DINGLEBERRIES! Jesus said right here to GO…GET OUT OF YOUR
SAFETY SHELTER and SHOW the world that you are Christ followers! Don’t coup yourselves up in your churches and
houses, only coming out when you HAVE to.
Now this doesn’t mean that you have to stand on a street corner telling
people that they are wicked sinners going to hell to burn up in brimstone…you’ll
probably get a broken nose if you do that…but it does mean that we need to show
“the world” through our lifestyle, the way we talk and dress, our conduct and
music, etc, that we ARE Christ followers, and influence then for Christ. If people see that we are happier and more
productive because of being a Christian, then they are going to want Christ in
their life as well. What I’m going to
say next may offend some people…but…it’s the unfortunate truth. To many Christians are just plain weird and
un-social, which is why Christians have gotten the label of weird. For some reason A LOT of ‘Christians’ are the
people with the dumpy clothes, trashy cars and houses, bad manners and bad
grammer. That’s wrong and a border line
sin and it’s no wonder that people really don’t like Christians. We’ve gotten the label...and it’s our
fault…of being the people at the ‘bottom of the barrel’ That’s really a shame:( As a Christian you want to make sure that you
are one of the people at the ‘top of the barrel’. Why don’t you do your part in showing others
that Christians are really cool people, who are intelligent, productive, well
rounded, normal, and just really awesome and friendly people who are a joy to
be around. Make a difference for Christ,
and don’t stay all couped up anymore.
Get out in the world…aspire to a higher standard…influence the world for
Christ.
OMW...I can't believe you used this verse today...I just used verse 14 to teach a little bit ago!!!!!:). I totally agree!! Dr. Schaap made a statement once that, "God's business is the greatest business in all the world." If Christians really treated it important as a business, then they would dress and act like it!!!! Our light needs to shine because the world is enshrouded in darkness. We have even allowed darkness into our own churches:(. Our light needs to not just shine...but shine brightly...the world should DEFINITELY see a difference in who we are. The minute we walk through the mall they should be able to look at us and say..."That's a Christian that I would want to be like." Definitely a goal of mine...but...if I never tell them how to be a Christian they won't get what they want. Not only are we to shine our light by the way we dress and act but also by the way we speak. If we never tell them about the Light, then they will never get the Light. We can show them all we want, but someone has to tell them!!!!! Good take on these verses!!!!!:)
ReplyDeleteWOW...that's cool!! That's a good way of putting it!! Many people run their business' and lives better than they 'run' their walk with God. I agree...I always try to act and dress and talk in a Christ-like way that people can look at and want. And yes..your right...we DO have to not only show but tell. That's another thing...I've seen to many people put off by someone telling them about Christ, because of the person (unintentionally) coming across as holier than though and that kinda thing. The way we present it also has to be good. I'll be the first to say...to present Christ to the world in the right way and make a difference, is A LOT of work...it's CERTAINLY NOT a walk in the park!! Thank You!! I'm really enjoying doing this!!!!:D
ReplyDeleteYES IT IS!!!:) Very true...a person should learn from the Bible how they are to present the Gospel...it's definitely not easy but something we all should do no matter how hard it is to put ourselves out there!!!!! Your welcome!!! I'm enjoying reading them!!!:D
ReplyDeleteYep...presenting it in a compelling and 'non-brutish' way is definitely a learning promise, but very rewarding when it starts working!!!:D I would say hard and sometimes uncomfortable...but hey...Jesus died on the cross...I think we can handle a little un-comfort when we put ourselves out there for him!!!! Okay, GOOD!!:D
ReplyDeleteYou're very right...His pain on the cross is more than a good enough reason for me to get uncomfortable for Him!!!!!:)
ReplyDeleteExactly!!! I think if we/I remembered that more, then we/me would do more for Him!!! What do you think??
ReplyDeleteI think you're right!! We get so concerned about our own uncomfortable feelings that we forget what He did for us. Something we should NEVER forget!!!!
ReplyDeleteBINGO!!! Totally right!! What I was and am trying to figure out, is a way to help me/other Christians remember that and not forget it so easily. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteHmmm...let me think about it...that's something that will be challenging but very good...I think it's a very good thing and a great challenge for you to take on!!!
ReplyDeleteOk! I'm not sure if it should be something like a saying, or a t-shirt, or a graphic/logo...I don't know what, but I want it (whatever it is) to be something that will stick with people when they see or hear it!
ReplyDelete