About ten years ago, my wife and I attended a small church where men expressed great pride in their biblical knowledge. In study sessions and meetings, competition incurred as a few tried to “one up” the other in Scriptural prowess. However, I recall one elder of the church disclosing to the group that he had never witnessed to anyone during the 20 years in his corporate job. He never had the opportunity to speak the name of Jesus to an unbeliever at work. Not once. As he talked in a pensive tone, his voice reflected a dismissive “meh.”
Indeed, God calls us to knowledge and meditation of His word. Still, the ability to walk in obedience by sharing the name of Jesus Christ expresses our position in Him and provides evidence of a saving faith. To walk this way is not a "few times a year" calendar event; it is a lifestyle and a daily occurrence. God’s word must be lived out for the world to see; walls cannot hide it. In contemplating our relationships with Christ, we must ask ourselves, "Do I love Christ, or am I ashamed of Him?"
Fast-forward ten years, and I am teaching in a public high school. This is the place where secular fury is released on children. While I agree the public school system reflects the world’s values, I have learned that God’s light shines wherever His saints are present. You see, followers of Christ are few, but they are positioned according to God’s will, providing a light in the culture’s darkness. In 2024, I have been motivated by individual ninth-grade students sharing their faith by bringing up the name of Jesus Christ in classroom discussions. For instance, I asked my English students to complete journal entries this Fall, requiring them to describe what or who they were thankful for. After completing their entries, students verbally shared their writings. On three occasions, the name of Jesus Christ was spoken, and He was the recipient of glory. In. A. Public. School. That’s right.
It’s hard to believe, but the witness of those who have recently reached ages of accountability has put forth biblical application that I had not seen in public for years. You see, shining our light in the darkness is exactly what God would have us do. I am reminded of Jesus’ words on salt and light. The students in my class and other students in the school certainly are not being trampled on by the world. Their love for Christ is too great. I know these students lead lives commensurate to Christ followership; I can see it day in and day out. And most of all, they are not ashamed despite the great potential of being ostracized.
Accordingly, the Lord’s light appears in the most unexpected places as His remnant is sprinkled among secular cohorts. I praise God for showing me that He installs His people anywhere He sees fit. Those who love Christ go into the world and take risks for His name. What an incredible thing to witness!
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Luke 9:26
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
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