Lose the Bushel

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matt. 5:15) 

Too many professing believers spend an inordinate amount of time selecting the proper bushel to conceal their relationship with Jesus Christ. They may choose wealth, or fashion, or expensive lifestyles, or vacations. Or, to play it safe, they try to blend in with the culture around them, never challenging its presuppositions and conclusions. However, if one is indwelled by the Holy Spirit, it is an impossibility to completely hide one’s light, no matter how hard one might try. 

The command is to let your light shine rather than conceal or darken it. To do otherwise is a direct violation of the command of our Savior. Nevertheless, since the light of Christ is not of human origin, no matter what one does to camouflage it, there will still be light emanating. This produces an interesting result: those at war with the Lord still spot you, and you receive the judgment that accompanies disobedience. 

Nothing is quite so disheartening than to see young adults who have been given the privilege (I used that term deliberately) of receiving a Christian education try to blend in with those who have been poisoned by the humanism of statist education. While they may give lip service to Christ, they often do their best to look like the world. Do they fool anyone but themselves?  

Instead of using the head start they have been given to establish themselves in a calling, create a family, and further the Kingdom of God, they spend time and effort to be part of the “counterculture.” They have exchanged their birthright for a bowl of pottage. In many cases, they are more interested in parading themselves on social media with silly faces, provocative poses, and chronicling their many adventures, than working to make a true impact for the faith in which they were raised. 

By contrast, many homeschool and Christian school graduates who have not revolted against maturity have begun families and established themselves as true representatives of Christ, all before they reach their thirtieth year. Instead of wanting to blend into the modern culture, they have determined to identify wholeheartedly as members of a Christian culture. I know, because I get to interact with many of them on a regular basis. They are establishing a beachhead for the advancement of the Kingdom rather than retreating into insignificance. 

For the first group, my advice is to discard your bushel and connect yourself to godly mentors who will help establish you in your Kingdom service. Then, instead of being overlooked and bypassed by those eager for responsible adults to hire or work with, or someone to marry, you will be esteemed precisely because of your unabashed witness.