"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
This is one of my favorite verses, we quote this often in our home, and I really try to be aware of this truth in my interactions with people. I am not perfect, sometimes I don't take my cart to the front of the store, and occasionally my children fight in public.
However on a recent weekend at a campground I was grieved and embarrassed at the behavior of some who advertised their Christianity. There were the neighbors with fish stickers who threatened to sick a vampire on my dog for barking (we had checked with them before and after to make sure the dog wouldn't be a bother), they may have been joking but certainly didn't let their light shine. The crowning embarrassment of this weekend though, was the family group who were wearing matching t-shirts that said, "Jesus is Lord." They cut in line at the hayride, even after being warned to desist, yelled the names of rival football teams during the entire ride and trooped off in a single file without stopping to let anyone pass. All their actions were inconsiderate and very attention getting. The really sad thing is that they may actually not have been Christians, apparently a well meaning aunt had bought the t-shirts for everyone, Christian or not. One atheist niece declined to wear hers, thankfully sparing the name of Jesus more shame.
Depending on your worldview this loud, obnoxious behavior may seem major or minor, but to my children and I, it was depressing. We are trying to let the light of God shine through us, our family desires to walk in His Spirit so that the fruit shines through, things like gentleness, kindness and patience. Sadly, any on the ride who don't enjoy that type of behavior would have one more check against Christians and Christ.
What do your actions say about your faith? I was at first happy to see the t-shirt wearers, thinking they might bring light to this place with their message, but unfortunately they didn't represent our Lord well. Let us shine like lights, remembering actions speak louder than words.
Jennifer Pepito-TOS Chapel Editor
