Before the 9/11 tragedy, I traveled to New York for a business meeting. I flew to Newark, NJ and boarded a bus service to New York City. After my meeting, I walked to a bus ticketing and transfer station in the ground floor of the World Trade Center. I purchased my return ticket, thanked the agent, expressed that he have a nice day, and proceeded outside to wait on my bus. About 5 minutes later, the ticketing agent came outside to speak to me. He asked me if I was a Christian, and I gladly replied yes. He proceeded to tell me how rude folks had been that particular day, how he appreciated my kind words and the manner in which I spoke to him, and knew I must be a Christian.
We often sing, “they will know we are Christians by our love”. In a world seemingly filled with chaos, anger, contempt and hate, Christians must be a light – a beacon to gravitate towards. Do people around us (coworkers, neighbors, waiters, social media, etc.) know we are Christians by our actions or speech? Are we different? Do we stand out?
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).
“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)
Our community is growing and people will be looking for answers to the troubles in this life. They may put their faith in mankind or themselves, but they will not be fulfilled. Let’s be a light to our community in word and in deed so that they may be drawn to God.
For the elders, Terry Clark