1/11/2022
As Christians we are not meant to hide our belief from the world, but to stand up tall in our faith. When the unbelievers threaten us we should bravely walk among them, and show our unshakable faith in Christ with courage, especially to those who would rather beat and harm us than to admit we serve the Lord of truth, and reflect the light of the world. Our goodness, kindness, and humble nature, reveals itself to be most courageous, when we are standing without hesitation, or fear, before the world.
“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:26 ESV
Many who believe are apologetic about their faith, and are reluctant to let those around them see the light of their faithfulness until it is obvious that they are of like mind. In this way they might claim privately to be victorious in Jesus, but their actions demonstrate an air of defeat. If we abide in Christ, and He abides in us, then who should we fear, and why should we hide our light under a basket?
““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 ESV
Yes, we are a city that was once on a hill, but which has been steadily moving itself, one stone at a time, from atop the hill, to a place in the valley where we feel we can exist without conflict by hiding in the darkness of the forest. We are retreating to a hideout where we have convinced ourselves that we will be safe, and our light will be hidden from our enemies. How can we claim victory when we cower before those in the world?
“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 5:15 ESV
Jesus didn’t send us into the world with a treasure that was to be hidden, or buried underground to keep it safe. No, although He meant for us to be humble, we were to share our spiritual wealth openly, and reveal our humility courageously; delivering the gospel without fear. We are meant to walk this earth shining brilliantly, and wearing the white robes, glorious gold, and the Crown Jewels of the most high King without reservation, but we also possess his brilliant armor.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Ephesians 6:13 ESV
We are a conquering army, our God is with us always, and He is mighty as He leads us to victory… not into hiding, nor in retreat. Our banner is a glorious beacon of light, and is meant to call all men to us.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
John 8:12 ESV
The banner of Christ was never meant to be rolled around its pole and covered with a sheath so that it wouldn’t be seen. So let’s take an honest look at how we present ourselves, and our faith, to the world. Let’s ask ourselves why it is that we are so tentative in the demonstration of our faith. Why is it that we keep our heads down, and hide our faces from those who are lost and mistakenly following the dark one who is in the earth? Why won’t we bravely, and unabashedly, allow them to see the radiant glory of our Lord in us? Why are our good works done in such a way that they are indistinguishable from those who are lost, and not presented by us as the torch bearers of God’s glory?
Are we ready to look up and reveal ourselves to be cast in the image of Christ? Are we ready to move back to the top of the hill where our light can be seen in all its brilliance? Are we ready to unfurl the banner of Christ our Lord and reclaim the victory which is ours? And, are we prepared to glorify God in all we do… in how we represent Him?
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for taking away our fear, and replacing it with the strength and courage that we claim in you. Thank you Lord for overcoming our tentative display of faith, and leading us boldly into the world with the gospel of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us in our unbelief Father, and raise us up victorious over he who is in the world. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of whom we should never be ashamed, nor make apology for. You are our strength, and we praise you for every ounce of courage you give us. We find our hope in your strong right arm, and our protection in the armor you provide us. You are merciful Father, and send us out into the world to rescue the lost, and the fallen, that none should perish. Your grace is enough for us, and though the minions of darkness might hate us, wound us, or even slay our bodies, they have no claim over our souls because we are yours in Christ. Wash us clean of sin with His blood Father, and lift up our countenance that we glow brilliant in your glory forevermore… unashamed, and without apology for our love of you.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-8 ESV
Rich Forbes