Don't Hide Your Light!

He said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a stand? - Mark 4:21

No one would think of doing such a thing. People always set a lamp where it will give the most light. It would be absurd to cover it up so that its light couldn't illuminate the room. Yet that is what many people do with their Christian life. It is a striking word that Jesus uses when describing Christians. He calls them lights, lamps, candles, which He lights with the fire of His own life when they believe in Him. There's often a difference in the brightness of the light between different believers. Some are only little candles while others are great spotlights. Still even a candle makes one spot a little brighter.

The point of Jesus' teaching here is that the light is not to be hidden but allowed to shine. Yet some people do put their candle under a basket. They carry it so it never gives light to others. Sometimes they hide it away under an imagined modesty or humility. They do not want to look prideful or look like they are bragging.

Sometimes it is the cover of shyness under which they hide their light. One cannot rise to say a word in a small-group; another cannot even lead the family in prayer or worship; another cannot talk to a neighbor about his soul; another cannot stand up to make a public confession of Christ before the world; another cannot go to call on a poor family or sick person, or to offer consolation to one in sorrow, all because they are scared or feel unworthy. Some again hide their candle under a very imperfect life. Their faults obscure the light of the biblical knowledge they possess, as a dirty lampshade dims the light put out by a table lamp. There are a great many lamps hidden away under baskets which should to be shining brightly in the dark world.

Apply This To Your Life Today... What are some things which keep you from sharing your faith and living your life in a way that allows you to bring light to others?