“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10
Life is full of distractions.
The day-to-day routine of managing family and work has its challenges. Throw in something serious and unexpected – a health issue, employment problem or even a major car repair – and “overwhelmed” can quickly take hold.
For most people, though, life pretty much defines “routine.” Their schedules don’t vary much. Spare time exists.
It’s why millions spend hours each day perusing Facebook, or Instagram, or TikTok. Netflix and other home-delivered entertainment consume countless hours, as well.
Why? It’s about, to use market-speak, “consumers’ choices.” These choices reflect their priorities.
So where does God fit in? If you’re a Christian – whether proclaimed from the rooftops or held deep in your heart – are you spending time at church, reading the Bible, and telling others about God’s glory?
Or are you “too busy” with these secular distractions – ahem, “choices” – to invest time into building God’s kingdom?
The Price of Being Quiet
“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” – Matthew 10:27
God doesn’t want us to be quiet. He commands us to shout, or bang a gong, or make another heavenly noise to let others know of His presence.
Few Christians do, though. We’re a silent group. We worry about “offending” others with our beliefs.
Never mind, meanwhile, that God has been removed from nearly every public space.
When’s the last time you heard about a legal fight over religious symbolism at a school, municipal building or courthouse? You don’t anymore – because those battles have been waged. God lost.
So did we, as Christians. Good luck, too, finding public nativity scenes at Christmas. Were the forces seeking removal of these symbols concerned about “offending” us? Fat chance.
Meanwhile, every succeeding generation has lower rates of church participation. Less than half of U.S. adults belong to a church, according to Gallup polling. The number has dropped 23 percentage points in just the past two decades.
Three out of five millennials – the generation now having children – don’t go to church. If not raised in faith, will their kids suddenly discover God later? Highly unlikely.
The cycle continues. The ripples grow. Faith takes on less and less importance in society. Will a day come when religious schools are no more? Where “One Nation Under God” really, truly no longer applies?
Proclaim and Exclaim – Now, More than Ever
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:15-16
Imagine a world without God. You might not want to even do so. Yet it’s a reality we could face … unless we let God’s holy light shine through us.
Seek out opportunities to tell others about God’s wondrous works in your life. Even more importantly, be ready to listen to their questions.
Invite someone – maybe a very part-time congregant, or someone who belongs to the oft-maligned “Christmas and Easter crowd” – to church with you. Make them feel welcome. Many people are intimidated by visiting a strange church. Create a comfort zone.
Post a faith-based message on social media – yes, one of those “distractions.” Step out in God’s name. You might have to withstand some slings and arrows. Respond with kindness. Ask them to respect your beliefs … just as you respect theirs.
This has nothing to do with being “able” to share God’s light. We all are.
Rather, it’s simply about being available. Are you? Or are you caught up in distractions … and “too busy?”
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
