We are the light of the world. As Christians, we are to let the light of Christ shine through our lives, that all around us may see it and glorify God. (Matthew 5:16) When this light is spoken of throughout scripture, it is mentioned with warmth and compassion. The image of a warm glow is what comes to my mind, not the image of a spot light.
Warm glow vs. Spot light
When a light is left on at the front porch it symbolizes hope for a safe return. It greets a visitor, and makes the path more clear to our front door. When a lighthouse is lit up, it helps guide ships in the harbor, or around a rocky peninsula. When spot lights are on, they are often blinding to the person the light is being shined at. Spot lights often cast a narrow beam of light in one single direction, pointing at an individual and magnifying that individual’s every move. What kind of light are we putting off as a child of God?
A kind personality matters
We all believe that children should be taught to be kind to one another when it comes to sibling relationships and friendships. How often do we remind ourselves of this very principle? The way we interact with others makes a huge difference in our effectiveness as a witness. In the book of Ephesians alone we are instructed to:
- Be kind and tenderhearted; forgive one another Eph. 4:32
- Walk with lowliness, meekness, patience and build each other up in love Eph. 4:2
- Speak the truth in love Eph. 4:15
- Put away lying and speak truth with your neighbor Eph. 4:25
- Be angry, but sin not Eph. 4:26
- Don’t talk about nonsense, only use your mouth to glorify God, and build others up Eph. 4:29
When we act unkind, or superior to someone else, we put a bad taste in their mouth for the gospel of Christ.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Titus 2:7-8
A good testimony is priceless!
We are not perfect. Thinking ourselves to be better than anyone else is a slippery slope. Pride and a haughty spirit only lead to a fall and destruction. (Prov. 16:18) Christians are simply sinners saved by grace. That grace is free and available to everyone, and when we have a good testimony or name in the community, we have an opportunity to share that gift with others. To put this into perspective, imagine there are only two doctors in town to choose from. One is friendly and approachable, willing to work with patients for comprehensive treatment. The other is grouchy and stressed, and demands compliance with his ways of treatment. Which doctor would you want to see? Once we are known as “the grouchy doctor”, it is hard to become the “friendly doctor” once again. Better to stay friendly!
In summary:
We are commanded to be set apart, different than the world. We don’t have to look like everyone else, and talk like everyone else. However, we do have to be kind and love people the way Christ loves them. We need to be able to get along with others for the sake of the gospel. If we become condescending of the lost world, we will push them away and lose the ability to bring them to Jesus. This world wants a friend. We can be friendly, and we can also lead them to the friend who sticks closer than a brother! (Prov. 18:24)
Give none offence…not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33
