Private Religion

Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Christians come is so many varieties. There are some who will run barefoot through a church waiving a banner of flag in a charismatic “wholly roller” service all the way to the silent individual always sitting as far back as possible and attending limited services. There are Christians excited about their relationship and preaching and teaching to anyone who will listen, while others are only comfortable having a “private” religion. The energetic see their acts and words as being the lamp on the lampstand, while the quiet see their piety as the very same thing. And both are right if their actions are born truly in relationship to Christ. However, both can be wrong if their actions are motivated only to get or forego attention.

In the end analysis Jesus is saying with the words above that what is important is that life in the individual be a reflection of the glory of God. Pretty simply accomplished in a perfect world of perfect hearing and perfect obedience. But all is not perfect yet. So perhaps we can use this lesson to cast aside judgments of others.

The City set on the hill has nothing to do, but to be. The lamp has nothing to do, but to be. We too have nothing to “do” as a Christian. But rather we are called to “be” a reflection of Christ. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world…” (John 8:12) And He is the light in our lamp.

The Bereans were known for studying the word of God. But being a theologian does not make a person a reflection of Christ. After all, the Bible as we know it is a relatively modern accomplishment. Prior to the printing press the Bible was limited to clergy and confined to religious institutions. In Christ' time and for dozens of years after none of the New Testament existed. Praise God that we have it today as the most published book in human history, but to know every word does not in and of itself make a person anything. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;” (John 5:39) This is what it is all about. Christ is the fulfillment of scripture. Christ is the light. Christ is the living water. Christ is all that matters.

So have your religion in private, or on the mountain tops, but have it with Jesus in reflection of the Christ you individually come to know. Shout from the rooftops, or walk in humble piety, but do it in obedience and emulation of Him. 

I have included Word of God Speak for a second day because it conveys this message. “I’m finding myself at a loss for words. And the funny thing is… it’s ok. The last thing I need is to be heard, but to hear… what you say.” Jesus could have said you are a bell set on the wall to warn the city. He could have said you are a horn, or any host of other noisy devices. But He did not. He said you are a lamp… He in essence said… “be”… not “do.” In being, then He is able to do. It's not what you say... it's who, and whose, you are.