Is your Christian faith shining light or hiding it?

We’re told in 1 Peter 1:7 that our Christian faith is “more precious than gold, which perishes though refined by fire.”

That means our Christian faith is worth something. And it means that our faith doesn’t melt away in the fire, because it can withstand the flames.

Why is it then, that some in America would rather bury their Christian faith in the sand than actually do something with it?

Here’s one reason:

As Americans, we have become complacent Christians because of the privileges we’ve enjoyed. We’ve taken for granted the freedom to live out our Christian faith.

Don’t get me wrong, the freedoms we have to exercise biblical faith and Christian beliefs is a blessing of the highest order. But in many ways, this privilege has fostered complacency in the American Church.

Many Christians around the world do not have this privilege. As a result, they treasure their Christian faith as a priceless gift. They’ve put their faith through the fire, and it holds strong. So every chance they get, sometimes at great personal cost, they share it with others.

In contrast, so many times I look at the believers in this country and see folks sitting on their hands and not acting on their Christian faith. Not only do we fail to expose our faith to the flames, but by keeping it to ourselves to avoid persecution, we rob people of the hope of the gospel.

Jesus calls us to something better. Look at what He says Matthew 5:14–16:

 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So what are we doing?

Are we actually letting our light shine for everyone to see or are we only allowing that light to shine in Church when we’re surrounded by other Christians?

Or are we shining the light of the gospel into a dark world like a beacon guiding the world to the solid Rock of Christ?

I’m tired of seeing Christians be complacent when we have so much opportunity to spread the gospel.

Because make no mistake, there is plenty of darkness out there that needs the light of Christ.

Our country is broken right now, it needs a Savior.

People may look to a political party. Or they’ll look to a personality. Some may even look to Christian morals or biblical virtues. But we know that there is only one Savior that can bring light to the hearts of mankind.

We just have to point people to Him.

The very same freedom that has led a lot of people to become complacent is the reason why you and I can be bold in shining our light as bright as possible. We live in a country where we are free to worship and free to proclaim the gospel.

If Christians in other countries are willing to risk their lives to share the gospel, what’s stopping you, in the country with more freedom that any other in history?

Fear? Anxiety? Judgment?

Whatever it is, spreading the gospel is so much more valuable than choosing passivity and not acting on the love that God has shown us.

And remember that when your Christian faith goes through the fire, it will not perish, it will only be made stronger. So, today, don’t just bury your faith in the sand. Hold it high for all to see.

By Graham Allen
To learn more about Graham Allen be sure to visit his website here.