Going Public

Been keeping your faith to yourself?  Feel the need to share the love of Jesus with those around you?


We were created and placed specifically where we are in order that we might do just that; that we may speak of the Good News and love we have found in Christ to those we encounter.  Upon accepting the gift of life and freedom that is offered to us through Christ, we are empowered and called to be a light to those still consumed in darkness.  We have received the greatest gift of all, a gift with eternal benefits; how could we ever refrain from sharing it with others?


We can no longer keep this to ourselves; Jesus was never meant to be a secret! He is in the saving business, and we are here to help that work along, to spread the love, to plant the seed, and leave the harvest up to the Big Guy upstairs.  It takes a huge step of faith to share the core of who you are with someone, but God will use your faith in miraculous ways.  Do not let one conversation with someone stop you from continuing to share your story; not everyone is ready or willing to hear of your faith, of how Jesus died to save them, but you stepping up to the plate and offering them a chance at salvation is all God asks of you.  He will use your words according to His plan, to bring glory to His name.  You have done your part by planting the seed, and we must leave the results up to God.  The Message version of Matthew 5:14-16 states this quite well...


Verse:
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
~Matthew 5:14-16 (The MESSAGE)


The reality here is that Jesus died to pay for the death we had earned, for the sins we have committed and continue to commit. We need to be willing to share this amazing news with those around us; we have the information that could save someone's life, but too often we choose not to share it.  If a train was barreling down the tracks headed right for a friend of yours, would you warn him/her, or would you keep that information to yourself?  Being a follower of Christ is the very core of our being, it is who we are, and when something is that important, it needs to be shared.  


Be willing, be sent, and bring glory to God in all things.  Share your faith, live it out, and be a light in a world consumed by darkness.  Start simple, think big, and go public with your love for Christ, as public as a city on a hill! We are bearers of His light, and I think its time we let it shine.