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By Pastor Brian Bestian
A Christian pastor serving in the Midwest received a letter of complaint from a lady. She was upset with him because of some things that he said during a speech which she attended. I’d like to read a portion of her letter for you:
“This letter is in reference to some disturbing opinions you discussed in your speech at the Hope University graduation on May 18, 2002. While comparing worldly success and what God may consider successful, you made a comparison between Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. Even though you prefaced your statements with, ‘Although I’m not the judge’ you still continued to make the judgment, comment on it, and offend myself and others in my group . . . How dare you attempt to speak for God . . . It’s absolutely absurd and arrogant of you to attempt to comprehend the mind of God.”
She continued to encourage this poor pastor like that for several paragraphs. When I read this, I thought to myself, “Wow! She’s judging him for making a judgment!” Her final paragraph revealed the real issue.
“It’s my belief that if you want to try to understand God, why not study and learn from what He created. There’s so much to learn about God in the universe and its universal laws, the earth, nature, human beings and humanity. I challenge you to think very hard about what you’re teaching from a book written by human beings. As a public speaker you should be more responsible for what comes from your mouth. Signed, Very disappointed”
Our nation is plunging deeper and deeper into spiritual darkness and uncertainty. In today’s post-modern world, many people have concluded that there is no such thing as absolute truth. For them, the Bible is just a human book, and we’re free to interpret God’s Word and will from nature, reason, or our own personal experience.
Here’s a woman attending a graduation service at a conservative Christian school, and she’s deeply offended at the mere suggestion that there are any absolutes. That’s becoming the norm today.
Last week we talked about our country’s foundations being shaken by terrorist attacks, economic instability, corporate fraud, and war in the Middle East. But our country’s spiritual foundations are also being shaken to the core. The Psalmist describes us pretty well, “They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.” (Psalm 82:5)
We’re currently studying 2 Corinthians, chapters 3-5, and talking about how to be confident in uncertain times. As we look at our text for today, let’s think about being authentic and letting the light of Christ shine through us. Verse 6 is our theme verse: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
When the lights go out in a cave, it’s an ideal time to be selling flashlights. The darker the world gets spiritually—the greater the attraction of Jesus, the light of the world. The prophet, Isaiah, predicted what the coming of the Messiah would mean, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (9:1-2).
I. Remain Positive in a Negative World.
First of all, it’s imperative that we remain positive in a negative world. Paul writes in verse one, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”
It’s easy to get discouraged in a world that’s becoming increasingly dark. Some years ago in his quarterly newsletter, Dr. James Dobson listed some of the evidences of the breakdown in national morality. He cited the relentless attacks of homosexual activists to gain approval in public schools, the Secretary of State promoting safe sex instead of abstinence on MTV, the pro-abortion sentiment that insists that at times it’s not wrong to kill a newborn baby. (One congresswoman even said a baby is not a person until it’s taken home from the hospital). Dobson wrote about euthanasia, internet pornography and all kinds of perversion engulfing us. It’s hard not to get discouraged when you read that stuff.
It’s hard not to lose heart when you see churches passively disengaging from the culture, abandoning basic doctrinal truths, bickering among themselves, covering over moral scandals.
It’s hard not to lose heart about our own personal problems. Broadcaster Harry Kalas introduced baseball player Garry Maddox by saying, “He’s turned his life around. He used to be depressed and miserable; now he’s miserable and depressed!”
As Christians we’re not called to be miserable and depressed, but rather we are to be joyful and optimistic even in the midst of negative circumstances. Paul writes, “Therefore . . . we do not lose heart” (4:1). The word, “therefore,” connects us to the previous chapter. Since our confidence is in Christ and not ourselves, since we are saved by grace and not the law, since we have this affirmative ministry, we don’t lose heart.
Jesus warned us that the world would gradually get worse, but “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Jesus predicted, “In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The Apostle Paul and his companion Silas were beaten, shackled, and shoved into a dark, dingy dungeon in Philippi. But, instead of being depressed and miserable, they were joyful and optimistic. They broke out into praise and prayer. A huge earthquake shook open the prison doors, and the jailer came to faith in Jesus Christ —he and his entire household were baptized.
If we’re going to bring the light of Christ to a dark world, we must not lose heart. Romans 5:20 says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” When we see the positive things that the Holy Spirit is doing through Christians, there is much to be optimistic about.
Some years ago in California, a young pastor decided to do something positive about the encroachment of pornography and the millions who are becoming addicted to it. So, under the umbrella of “Fire Proof Ministries,” this pastor and a friend started a web site called “TripleXChurch.com.” It’s a website where those addicted to pornography can find help. Backed by an experienced Christian psychologist, they bought a booth at the National Porn Convention in Los Angeles that year. They told those in attendence, “We’re not here to argue with you; we’re here to try to help people whose life is out of control.”
In covering the “Adult Entertainment” Convention, ABC news reported only on the Christian booth and people’s reaction to it. The LA Times picked up the story with a three-quarter page article the following Saturday. Here’s the amazing thing. In the first month they had nine million hits on their web site and had to buy more bandwidth in order to accommodate those seeking help. The light is shining in the darkness. “Therefore . . . we do not lose heart.”
No matter how intimidating your personal circumstances—don’t get discouraged. Our Savior and Lord is able to deliver us. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Stay positive. Stay on the offensive. Keep believing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
II. Demonstrate Integrity in a Deceptive World.
Secondly, to let the light of Christ shine through us it is imperative that we demonstrate integrity in a deceptive world. Paul writes, “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (v. 2)
The Bible describes Satan, the prince of this world, as being crafty, a liar, a deceiver, one who disguises himself as an angel of light, and a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So it’s not surprising that his world is full of secret, deceptive ways.
Notre Dame University hired a new football coach some years back and then had to release him almost immediately because they discovered that he had greatly exaggerated his credentials on his resume. People can be deceptive and use shameful tactics to get ahead.
There’s a temptation for Christians to get deceptive or clever with the gospel. Some Crises Pregnancy Centers disguise themselves to look like abortion clinics. There are Christian tracts designed to look like dollar bills. There are church services and sermons that are watered down theologically to appeal more to the visitor.
If the light of Christ is going to shine through us, it’s imperative that we renounce secret and shameful ways. We are to be people of complete integrity. In 1929 federal agent Elliot Ness was making $2800 a year. He once was handed an envelope with $2000 cash and a note from Al Capone promising that amount weekly if he would back off. Ness rejected the bribe and called a press conference to report it. The next day headlines read, “Ness and his men are ‘untouchable.’” That’s how they became known as “The Untouchables.”
The Bible encourages us to be untouchable—”Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12) So, when others show up late, you show up on time. When others coast at work, you put in an honest day’s wage. When a good number are extending their break 15 minutes longer than is allowed, you go back to work. Though others may delay the payment of bills, you pay yours on time. When everyone else is telling raunchy jokes, you tell one that’s clean. When everyone else is padding their expense account, you keep yours above reproach. When others in the family are hateful, you be loving. When others around you are promiscuous, you remain pure. When others water down the truth of the gospel, you stand firm. When everyone else in the class is cheating, you be honest, even if your grade suffers.
Now keep in mind, if you renounce shameful, worldly ways, some in the world will renounce you. Paul warns in verses 3-4, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
There are some people who just cannot see the truth because Satan, the god of this age, has blinded their eyes. They are so enamored with this world that even though they have eyes they can’t see. In fact instead of being attracted to the light, they resent it.
A bright light hurts the eyes of people who are asleep. It embarrasses those who are not dressed properly. It exposes those who are trying to hide something and they scamper like varmints in a damp basement. Jesus said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). God says, “Let the light shine in the darkness,” even though some may be uncomfortable with it.
III. Practice Servanthood in a Selfish World.
Thirdly, if the light of Christ is going to shine through us, we need to practice servanthood in a selfish world. Paul states, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (v. 5)
The world is accustomed to almost everyone looking out for Number One. If you want the light of Jesus Christ to shine through you, then take the form of an authentic servant, as He did. Put the needs of others above yourself and you’ll stand out in contrast.
Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Anyone can serve. Anyone can be unselfish and let the light of Christ shine through. There is one thing that impresses the world more than sermons, music, doctrine, buildings, and programs and that is compassionate service to those in need.
IV. Maintain Transparency in a Phony World.
Finally, if we’re going to let Christ shine through us it’s important that we maintain transparency in a phony world. In verse 7, we read, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
There’s a lot of attempted cover up in our world. The Readers Digest carried the following letter. “Our daughter, an army sergeant stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. called us during an intensive leadership training course that required her to spend six weeks at a forest encampment under Spartan conditions. ‘Mom, I’ve met someone here I’d like to know better,’ she said, ‘but we aren’t allowed to wear make up so he has no idea what I really look like.’” We’re so accustomed to wearing masks we think it’s natural!
But actually there are few things more compelling than someone who is authentic and humble enough to admit their weaknesses. People aren’t attracted to Christians who pretend to be perfect. In fact they’re repulsed by phoniness. However, people find Jesus Christ irresistible if we point out the treasure is not us—it’s Jesus. We have this treasure in jars of clay, and the more we admit that . . . the brighter Jesus shines by contrast.
The light of the sun always shines more brightly through a clean window. Let me encourage you to be transparent, honestly admit your weaknesses, and confess your sins so that people will be attracted to Christ not you.
We’re just jars of clay. We’re feeble. We’re imperfect. We’re not worth much. But inside we have an invaluable treasure—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus can bring forgiveness, healing, purpose, salvation, and eternal life. People are more likely to be attracted to Him if we remove the phony spiritual cosmetics.
“For God said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness.’” His light will shine more brightly through you if you stay positive, live a life of integrity, serve others, and be transparent about your weaknesses.
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