According to the RealClearPolitics average, 66.6% of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. There are mass shootings, rampant crime and other societal ills. In addition, depression rates are at record highs. We tend to look to politics, politicians and policies, but is that the primary story? It is unlikely to be a coincidence that the data is showing less people self identifying as Christians. We as Christians know that the only true hope is found in Christ, and therefore are called to share it.
Our Lives Should Shine Light in a Dark World
Jesus tells us that we should let our good deeds shine so that people can see them and glorify God. Specifically, He uses the image of lighting a lamp and not covering it up (Matthew 5:14-16). This is the imagery from which I draw the title for the blog The Uncovered Lamp. We followers of Jesus have a hope that is found nowhere else and are called to share it with others, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
A Hope One Only Finds In Jesus
Although the world offers its own hope, Jesus offers a different kind of hope. It is interesting to note that studies have found that for those who attend church regularly, there is a correlation between it and lower risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Furthermore, they show a correlation between that and lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Simultaneously, we have to accept another reality of following Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Christians around the world are being imprisoned and even martyred. While we in the West do not yet regularly face martyrdom, we face our own lesser challenges. Despite this, we have the witness of martyrs like the Apostle Paul, who said:
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13
Hope, but Also a Warning
Though light can serve as hope, as in “the light at the end of the tunnel,” it also reveals things. As we move away from being even a nominally Christian society, it should not surprise us that things are on the decline. Whether it is the love of abortion, the love of sexual immorality, the love of self, immoral business or other practices, habits, and actions contrary to God’s will for man, we are called to not participate in them and to even expose them:
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them…Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”
Ephesians 5:6-7, 11-13
Unfortunately, many in the church have been taken captive by empty words. A recent survey from Arizona Christian University found only 6 percent of self identified Christians hold a biblical worldview. It is clear that the church needs to be confronted with truth and the Gospel as much as the un-churched.
Furthermore, as Christians we recognize that people need a savior. Yet, many think they are good enough. They see no need for a savior. How do the gospel writers summarize what Jesus taught? This from the Gospel of Matthew, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” (Matthew 4:17) If you think you are good enough, what would you need to repent from?
Welcome to the Blog
These are the reasons for the blog: to offer God’s hope and truth in a fallen world. As the Lord encouraged Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) As followers of Jesus we too have the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
I hope you found this encouraging; please consider subscribing to the blog to receive email alerts when I post.
Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by Andrew Hansen
