Matthew 5:15  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.

About 20 years ago, if it were not the the honesty of another, I addressed a major problem with my teeth. When I was in the 8th grade, I fell on my chin during a basketball practice and knocked out my two front teeth. The dentist put on what are called “caps”. As I grew up, my teeth also grew and the caps were showing disgusting lines where the caps ended.  Over time, I did not open my mouth to smile, and when I talked to someone initially I would place my hand over my mouth at times to hide my teeth.

Years later, I ran into someone from my hometown. After not seeing her for years, the first thing she said was “why don’t you get your teeth fixed?”.  I was initially taken back, because it was something I was hiding and no one ever told me there was a problem. But then I took action, I went to the dentist and got permanent replacements.  It took a little time, but I no longer feared smiling or speaking to people in a close proximity. But the problem was addressed for good.

I use this story to first address Gospel sharing. We must be BOLD as the person was to me with my teeth. If someone you see as unsaved, the BEST thing you can tell them is that they are unsaved. It might be uncomfortable for them and for you, but in the long run they will thank you!

The second item I will address is the “secretive Christians”. Those who say “my faith is between God and myself”. Is there such a thing?  Read the New Testament from start to finish, and you will never find one secret Christian. Rather when the light of the Lord Jesus Christ has graced them, they are never secret about their faith.

We can read of Peter and John going right to the temple in the Acts of the Apostles, blaring out the Gospel to everyone. They knew they might be persecuted for doing so, but went boldly anyway. And when they were persecuted, they rejoiced because this is exactly what Jesus told them would happen (John 15).  Nothing in them could hide the light of the Gospel now indwelling them, they shouted it to anyone and everyone.

There is no such thing as a secret Christian or a closet Christian. Those who once a week go to a brick and mortar church for an hour and then the rest of the week hide the Gospel and blend in with society.  These sinners need the Gospel just as those who you discern as unsaved. There is a reason they are hiding the light as Jesus states.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

If you have been graced with the LIGHT, do not hide this LIGHT. The world will always tell you “put out that light!”. It hurts their eyes and ears. But as mentioned, boldness and honesty is the behavior of the saved. The light is the disinfectant needed to expose and call attention to what is needed, the person and work of Jesus Christ for the sinner!  Tell them, show them the LIGHT!