Naked Christians? (01-12-22)– Let It Shine! –Matthew 5:14-16)
My friend, may I ask you a question? Is it pretty hard to glorify God with your life when there are parts of it you don't want anyone to see?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
How naked are you willing to let your life be seen; how open to public view? As Christians I would hope you and I would be able to lead transparent lives; lives that glorify Christ, with nothing to hide. Unfortunately many Christians aren't and haven't been all that transparent. According to a Gallup poll taken nearly 25 years ago "there's little difference in ethical behavior between the churched and the un-churched. There's as much pilferage and dishonesty among the churched as the un-churched. And I'm afraid, Gallup continued, that applies pretty much across the board: Religion, per se, is not really life changing." (George H. Gallup, "Vital Signs," Leadership, Fall 1987, p. 17.)
It's pretty hard to glorify God with your life when there are parts of it you don't want anyone to see.
Here's a story: During World War II Winston Churchill, England's Prime Minister, paid a visit to the United States and was an honored guest at the White House. President Franklin Roosevelt held a dinner on the first evening of the Prime Minister's visit where he was the guest of honor. Roosevelt, crippled for years with polio, was confined to a wheel chair but insisted on walking with some assistance to be seated in front of his honored guest. Later that evening Churchill retired to his bedroom, Roosevelt thinking or assuming that he was going to enjoy a cigar and read over some of the correspondence they had shared earlier prior to dinner. Moments later the President wheeled himself to Churchill's room and knocked. Granted permission to enter, he did. Opening the door he discovered the Prime Minister standing stark naked with a lit cigar in his mouth. "You see, Mr. President," he said, "We British have nothing to hide." (Author unknown.)
Jesus instructed. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) As Christians you and I can take an example from Winston Churchill. Having nothing to hide, he didn't. He was no Adonis, being rather short, squat and, well nothing to write home about. Yet, what was there was 100% "devoted to the cause," as Roosevelt was to later comically relate. Can we say that of our lives? Are we willing to stand naked, exposed to the world's critical eyes, and reveal a life 100% devoted to the cause of salvation in Jesus Christ? Or are we, as in Gallup's poll, all too will- ing to be counted with the wicked? God isn't looking for perfect Christians; only sinners with nothing to hide.
We pray. Heavenly Father, Jesus instructed. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Father, we pray that You would assist us by Your Holy Spirit to so shine before all men, without the fear of ridicule or scorn. May we stand naked in our faith and love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.