Matthew 5:14-16
¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
When you are a Christian, it should be visible that you are. Jesus compares it to a city on a hill. It cannot be hidden.
That city doesn't need banners to show it is a city, or anything else to show it is there. It is visible, just because it is there. From a distance you can already see its skyline.
(photocredit)[https://pixabay.com/illustrations/banner-blank-board-empty-hand-3114920/]
In the same way a Christian doesn't need things or ornaments to show he or she is a Christian.
You don't have to go on the street to advertise that you are a Christian. It should be visible in your actions, behavior, and your words.
Being a Christian you should shine out God's love. Like a lamp in a dark room you should not only be visible, but also shine His light, for each person around you.**
(photocredit)[https://pixabay.com/photos/boy-sitting-lantern-outdoors-asia-1822614/]
This means not only visible by what you do, but also, and yes especially, by what you say.
Now, there are people who feel uncomfortable and nervous when you ask them to testify about their faith, and they probably won't talk about it with friends either.
This is not how believers in the Christ should act, for if you, who are the light of this world (vs.14), hide your light, how dark will it become in this world?
Show your light, through the fruits of the Spirit, which show the life of the Christ in you, and by what comes out of your mouth.
Galatians 5:22-23
²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Dear friends, if you think you lack strength to talk about what you received, than consider this:
If someone would give you a brand new car, would you hide it, or would you proudly show it to your neighbors, and celebrate your gift with them?
If you received a nice set of clothes, would you not wear them?
Why then, is there this false shame for the gift which is of much more value?
Unless ofcourse you did not receive the gift yet, but only act in church as if you did. This could explain why you are acting different inside and outside the church.
If this is the case, let me warn you. "Don't fake it". Ask the Father, your God, and He will be happy to give the real thing to you!
Continue to follow your Lord.
(photocredit)[https://pixabay.com/photos/salt-harvesting-vietnam-water-salt-3060093/]
