Conspicuous Christians

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Tuesday, July 05, 2005

"You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)

There are two good ways we can be light for the world. We can let our light shine by doing good works, and we can let our light shine by proclaiming the gospel.

Jesus told us to be conspicuous Christians when He said,
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)
When there is a disaster, when people are starving, when there is a country torn by war or ravaged by disease, Christians should be the first on the scene, doing what they can. We can let our light shine at home or in our workplace by being kind, generous, loving, and by living sacrificially for others. As Christians, we can let our light shine before others through our good works.

Then of course, we also should let our light shine by proclaiming the gospel, by telling others of their need for Christ. We are not to be secretive about our faith. We can tell our neighbors the good news. We can make sure our coworkers know exactly what a Christian believes. And we can raise up our children to walk with the Lord.

You can be a conspicuous Christian—let your light shine!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000