A couple of days ago, I was in a conversation with another believer. We were discussing the standards of a Christian. Specifically, how our views differed on relationships with unbelievers. Not just marrying or dating outside of the faith, but seeking out friends and acquaintances in the world. It lead into some interesting conversation and at times heated debate.
It also helped me to "shore up" my beliefs in these areas. Although I have always had strong opinions and ideas, I could see where I have slipped in my own race. When the Bible says "come out from among them and be ye separate" (II Cor. 6:17) I take it at it's Word. God means for us to be a particular people, not ones that can "blend in" with the activities of the world. If we were to find ourselves in an ungodly situation. We should look out of place. Bars, clubs, and even some large "social" gatherings should be uncomfortable and bother our conscience. Others around us should be able to tell that we don't belong in that environment
We should shine with the beauty of holiness. And when our light shines in that world, it should manifest their deeds as evil.
Remember the Sunday School song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine"? Most of us has sang that at some point in our lives. The tune is catchy and the words are simple. So simple in fact that we can lose the grasp of their true meaning. It is a quote from the scripture that say's "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)
Good works. It's an ugly phrase in many of today's churches. It is represents the mask of someone trying to earn their own salvation. You don't dare mention it for fear that someone will start shouting it's "not of works, lest any man should boast.!" (Eph. 2:9) That of course is absolutely true, if your talking about the way to be saved. Our salvation is not earned, it is the gift of mercy and grace that each one of can receive in our lives my believing on Jesus Christ, Him crucified and raised from the dead.
Salvation does however change a person. The "old things are passed away behold all things are become new." (II Cor 5:17) We can't be a "good" Christian and our lives be filled with "bad" works. The scripture refers to them in one place as the "unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Simple as that.
Being saved, changes the way that we walk, talk, and act. It changes the desires that we have in our lives. Good works don't give us salvation, they help to manifest the salvation that we have been given!
Like Jesus, we should be the "friend of sinners". But not to leave them in the mire they are in. Jesus came and supped with sinners and when He left they were changed people! He wasn't just joining a party, He was there on a mission from God to change lives. So, as we find ourselves in the world we must strive to be "in the world, but not of the world." Letting our shine everywhere we go! |
