Shining Our Light Out Where It Can Be Seen

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS OUGHT NOT ONLY BE ON OUR TREE OR HOUSE:

I just read about what looks like an interesting book, The Evangelicals You Don't Know, Introducing the Next Generation of Christians, by Tom Krattenmaker.*  Tony Kritz, a friend of Krattenmaker, writes about his friend in CT Pastors (I'm not sure if the link will work for nonsubscribers, but hereit is).  He describes Krattenmaker as one who does "not identify as a Christian, he most closely aligns with Unitarians and is unapologetically secular and progressive." While Krattenmaker has not been "converted," the way he looks at conservative Christians has changed. There was a time that, when Tom looked into the conservative Christian world, he saw mostly darkness. However, just as when one stares into the darkness of the night sky, the longer you look, the more you can't help but see the stars. Yes, Tom now sees the twinkling stars in the once dark world of evangelicalism. He's seen the side of us that many spiritual foreigners haven't—the signs of Christian life and light that shine God's life to the world. That's what piqued my interest about the book.  Kritz's comment comes from Philippians 2:15.  The NIV says that Christian people are (should be) like stars shining in the sky.  I was the lead pastor of a small church for forty years.  I continue to be active in several ministries.  I have often heard, and done my share of, bragging about how bright "our" star is shining.  On only a few occasions have I heard  someone who is on the outside comment about the light we are shedding.  Of course we have an explanation for that.  "The world is opposed to what we are doing, they are blind, and unwilling to acknowlege the benifits we bestow on our surroundings."  No doubt true, at least partly, but is that all? Jesus said, "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" (Matthew 5:16).  Both He and the Apostle Paul seem to indicate that the nature of a Christian life well-lived will be such that others, outside of our group, will notice and be the better for what they see. Could the problem be that far too often we are guilty doing exactly what every Sunday School child know we aren't supposed to do--hiding out light under a basket?  Jesus points to the foolishness of such activity.  Matthew 5:16 indicates that good works ought to be done out in the open, so people can see them.  This isn't talking about better publicity.  It is speaking of a different kind of good deeds.  We ought to be doing good deeds in line with what we call the Golden Rule.  Our thought should not be what makes me look good, but what will truly help my neighbor.  Indeed Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, that good deeds, properly done (see Matthew 6) will result in glory to God, not self. Quickly, here are two examples from my observation: A friend of mine lives in a place where he is able to be the chaplain to ahigh school football team.  Not everyone on the team share's my colleague's faith.  He is not reluctant, nor apologetic, about his Christian faith.  More effective, though, than the devotionals he offers is the friendship that he provides to the team and coaches.  He commends positive action.  He encourages virtues that are shared by folk who don't share our faith, things like hard-work, courage, discipline, respect, and teamwork.  Not a boy on that team can say "Nobody cares," because my friend cares about each of them.  Not everyone on that team is, or will become, a Christian, but every member of that team knows that not all preachers are guys who don't care, and say things we can't understand.  They know my friend cares, and because they know that, they are more likely to care about what he knows, and says. My church is once again presenting a Live Nativity to our community.  We do it without cost to those who attend.  No arms are twisted.  The event is put on by cops, factorty workers, retirees, nurses, teachers, business-people, homemakers, foresters, computer techs, kids, and teens.  I'm proud of the people who do it, because instead of just railing about the excesses of the Christmas season, they have asked, "How can we shine a light, not in our building, but down in a public place, so others can see?" Shine on!  This Friday on a high school gridiron, the week after in a park, near many of you, and many other places TBA.  It's STTA.