I don’t know if they played hide-and-seek two thousand years ago, but even if they did, I know Jesus’ disciples did not “play”. It was clear to them that their mission was too great to be defeated by anonymity. A Christian was/is obliged to be visible, to be easily recognized by their life and their deeds as one who follows Christ.
The instructions Jesus gave to those who were going to be on His “team” were not hard to understand. He used terms so clear that even the most timid people knew they would stand out in a crowd. No cowering in false humility behind a tree or bush, but being an influence for good to all who know them.
In Jesus’ memorable Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used the following terms to describe the impact we should have on the world and our peers:
“You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” NKJV
Salt and light in their day were among the most potent, the most pervasive elements known to man. Both positive and negative effects were possible. Yes, salt can bring out the flavor of a pot of beans, and if you want to melt the ice on your front doorstep on a frosty morning, rock salt will do the job and do it quickly. But don’t put salt on your front lawn, for salt can be destructive to growing things. The truth is that grass will die on contact with salt. Trust me, you don’t want salt on your lawn.
Salt in the ancient world was highly valued. The Romans associated salt with “purity.” They said it was the purest of all things because it came “from the sun and the sea.” Often used as a community’s means of bartering, it was used to pay wages for labor. The term, “worth his salt” comes from that background.
Light also permeates every inch of space if given its way. If you want to read your Bible you will need some light. In the daylight hours the sun will provide much of our needed light. At night another source of light will be needed, and it can permeate the immediate space around us. Of course, light can be a problem if it brings attention to itself. If it is shining directly in your eyes, it can virtually blind you. Looking into the bright headlights of an approaching automobile can bring deadly consequences.
What then was Jesus saying to those who would be His disciples? It is quite obvious that Jesus was not and is not seeking followers who want to be anonymous. Nor does He need disciples who crave attention, who yearn to be in the spotlight.
To use Jesus’ own words, the “good works” Christians do should ultimately bring glory to our “father in heaven,” not to us. When our neighbors get to know us they should observe by our words and by our deeds that we are Christians.
“Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God, without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom youshineaslightsinthe world,” Philippians 2:15.
We will “shine as lights in theworld,” but people will know that the glory goes to Christ. He is the Redeemer, the source of all our blessings. Also, that passage promises that even in the midst of the most wicked times and places we can “shine,” and by doing so, “glorify our father in heaven.”
Doing “good works” becomes a way of life to a Christian. We know that God is the source of all our blessings, and we gladly give Him our lives and respect. We don’t need or want to be glorified, for it all comes back to God. We
“shine as lights”; we do
“good works,” not to be seen of men, but because we love God and want all to know Him. Yes, we’re here and we care, but don’t thank us, thank God.
