I wish to encourage you not to hide Christ
It’s all too easy to hide what should be the most obvious thing in our lives, Jesus Christ. Slipping into the Christian incognito mode only shames Christ, and reveals the darkest side of your fleshly character which the enemy loves.
I’m sure most believers would identify with the self-evaluation of the apostle Paul. We would concur that “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV). Our lives are to be a transparent display cabinet, visually presenting the patience of our Saviour to the watching unbelievers. And, according to the Lord’s will, some of those watching will one day believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour through repentance.
God’s Purpose for you
As Christians, our Christ centered lives are public testimony that the Lord “…is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 5:14-16; “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
No matter how feeble you may think your faith is, God wants to use you as the vehicle of His glory so that other’s will praise Him. This is a most humbling and challenging part of being a child of God. In spite of your many inconsistencies, the Holy Spirit yearns to expose Christ to the world through you. Consequently, you don’t want to obscure the Christ who redeemed you from those God has brought into your life for this very purpose.
Therefore, realise that it is “God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). That being the case, “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
Personal Involvement
No matter how hard-done-by you may feel, no matter how offended you may be, regardless of the injustices done to you, you will experience the peace of God and the joy of your salvation in surrendering them to God. Do as Christ did, relinquish your desire for justice to the will of God – and live Christ! Otherwise, you will be a most effective tool in the hand of Satan for dishonouring God, for shaming Christ, and for discrediting the Body of Christ. It is this easy to hide Christ from the world.
I encourage you, be proactive today in exposing the world around you to the loving Saviour, Jesus Christ. Speak well of the Saviour today. Be reconciled to those who have offended you. Forgive and love your enemies, praying for their blessing in Christ. In this way, we will NOT conceal Christ.