By William R. Cunningham
May 7, 2000

What do non-believers think of Christianity, and therefore Christ? How would the world know what Christianity and therefore Christ is all about? Where would the world get its information? The world acquires its perspective of Christianity and Christ by what it sees so Christianity is perceived to be what is readily visible to them (the public view). That is, non-believers will perceive Christianity to be what they see in the mainstream religious activities of the church, which are prominent in the media and therefore more readily seen by all people. My statement in no way undermines the effectiveness and ministry of the local church that is not in the media light. However, in a general sense, non-believers will only see what is in the public's eye because they are not seeking Christ and are therefore less likely to take note of the godly ministry and effectiveness of the some local churches.

The primary source of information about Christianity and Christ for the non-believer is the public church, that is, the church that is seen by the general public. Therefore, non-believers' perception of Christianity and Christ is based on what they see in mainstream religion. We can see the general perception of the non-believer (and some believers) of the church by some of their comments and how people typically interpret the church. For example, consider some of the comedian's interpretation of church and how they mock the preacher, and services. Though I say mock, they aren't really mocking because most of the time the things that they say are indeed true.

The world "sees" church and therefore believes that church (the religious entity) is what Christianity is all about. People think that Christianity is about going to church, paying your tithes, music, etc. The end result is that true Christianity that is revealed in the Bible is not displayed in the sight of non-believers and therefore not seen by the non-believer. Consider that the non-believer is not seeking Christ so anything that they see of the church must be publicly available for the non-believer to see it.

On the surface this would appear that the world has a great view of the Christian faith because the mainstream religious church has much airtime on television and radio. Some pastors and preachers are perceived as celebrities. Unfortunately, many of these ministers' celebrity status are not based on their ministry but their popularity. If the mainstream religious organization accurately presented the true Christian faith and Christ then all would be well. However, most of the time, based on my experiences and those that I have discussed this issue with, the mainstream religious organization (church) is engaged in teachings of prosperity, wealth, and happiness for all. The truth of the matter is that these are not the basis of the Christian faith but the world perceives that they are and thus have a wrong perception of Christianity and Christ.

I mentioned earlier that the mainstream religious organizations' perpetuation of a false Christiantiy does not undermine the effectiveness or importance of the local ministry. The local ministry includes the ministry of a couple, individual, or congregation. Therefore, you are very important in the presentation of the true Christianity so that the non-believer can see what Christianity is all about. In other words, your light can shine and make a difference for the perpetuation of the true Christian faith and the perception of the non-believers.

If you were to take an honest look at the mainstream or public church scene, then we would not see true Christianity. You will typically NOT hear the following taught in the typical mainstream church.

1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Teachings of salvation and living the Christian life according to the Bible

3. Teachings of who God is.

Instead you would hear teachings on the following.

1. Prosperity

2. Reaping and Sowing to receive things

3. Healing

4. Tithing and giving of your money to receive from God.

Typically the public church caters to the world by promoting the lust of the flesh, greed, love of wealth and possessions, and the pursuit of pleasures. So true Christianity cannot be seen from the typical public church scene. We need another witness of the redemption that we have.

You are that effective witness and you can therefore make a difference and you are making a difference if indeed you are practicing true Christianity and you are a disciple of Christ. Your light can shine and bring glory to God by your good works. This is the topic of this study, namely the light that shines within you so that the world can see Christ and true Christianity. This lesson is about the light that is within you that shines so that the world can effectively see Christ. Though false Christianity is in the media spotlight and seems to be permeating the hearts and minds of people, there is still a remnant of those who know and seek the truth. There is still a remnant of those who proclaim the truth of the gospel and the truth of the Christian faith, namely faith in Jesus Christ. These are the individuals that shine forth the life of Christ and really make a difference in the life of people in their pursuit for that missing something in their life.

Let me briefly state the basic belief of the Christian faith. First of all Christianity is a system of faith-a faith in Jesus Christ. Basic Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died on the cross receiving the death that we deserved for our sins, which therefore brings forgiveness from God for our sins. Jesus then rose from the dead on the third day thus enacting the life of God in all of us because he rose and we can rise from our deadness with him. Jesus' death was for the remission of our sins. He died so that we wouldn't have to. He died so that we could be reconciled to God the Father and therefore stand before the Father as if we hadn't sinned. Jesus brings us back into right fellowship with God. Consider the following verses.

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God loved us so much (as a human race) that he sacrificed his one and only Son for the purpose of saving us. This salvation brings with it eternal life with the Father. So you see that Christianity is a Way of life made possible by the life of Christ that is within us. This life enters when we believe on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Christianity isn't about a life of happiness and bliss nor is it about a life of wealth and prosperity. Christianity is about eternal life, the true life of God. Christianity is about LIFE-the everlasting life that we can only get through Christ.

Let's look at a scripture where Jesus highlights the importance of those people that shine forth the life of Christ.

There is something very important that we must establish here before we can gain anything from this scripture. Ask yourself this question. To whom was Jesus talking? Consider the following scripture.

The multitudes typically followed Jesus wherever he went. This verse implies that Jesus left the multitudes to teach his disciples. Keep in mind that there were many disciples besides the twelve (See Luke 10:1). The mountain was most likely a high hill on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, which would have served as a natural amphitheater (good acoustics). Now back to the question that I previously asked. Jesus appears to have been talking to his disciples. A disciple is identified as a follower of Christ so if you are indeed a follower of Christ (See John 8:31-32) then you are indeed his disciple, which means that this verse and that which follows applies to you.

What is the significance of being salt of the earth? The answer lies in the uses of salt. Typically salt is used to flavor foods and to preserve foods. So in a sense, we are flavoring and a preservative to the world. What does that mean however? The answer lies in the understanding of the idea of a remnant. It was because of a remnant that remained true to God that a place would obtain mercy. Consider Sodom and Gomorrah. My point is that the earth receives the mercy of God because a remnant of God's people remains on the earth. We provide this flavoring and preservation to the earth. If it weren't for a remnant of God's saved people then the earth wouldn't be worth anything and therefore ripe for destruction.

You bring value to this earth because you are a disciple of Christ and reconciled with God. You perpetuate the goodness of God and the Way of God. Your light shines and people really see that light. Whether or not they respond to that light is another matter. You do make a difference by first making a difference to those immediately around you.

Matthew 5:14 through Matthew 5:15 (NKJV) "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.

We, Jesus' disciples, are the light that gives light to the world just as we are salt to the earth. This light shines in the darkness. This light is the light of God that lights the Way. This light cannot be hid but all people will see it (the life of Christ).

The light that shines in the believer is the light that comes from Christ. We have no light of our own to shine, only the eternal life of God that comes to us through Christ. So if we are shining then those around us, particularly the non-believers, can see the Christ in us and thus get a better view of true Christianity. They can also see our good works (works of righteousness) and glorify God as we honor God with and in what we do.

Perhaps you may think that you are insignificant in ministering to people. Perhaps you may think that your efforts don't amount to much. Let me point out the great potential that your light can have on others.

It doesn't take much! Just do what you can and your seemingly small efforts may accomplish much. So let your light shine so that God can get glory and the world can see Jesus. Don't think that ministering to people involves being an ordained minister or a pastor. Ministering to people simply means that you meet their needs. This can take the form of giving them something to eat, clothes to wear, a place to stay, encouraging words, and above all the Gospel of Christ. You can minister by being an upright employee on your job. You can minister to people by being dedicated and hard working on your job. Your light doesn't have to be religious in nature. Your light can shine in your normal everyday activities and occupation. Yes you do make a difference in the little things that you do.

True Christians have the Spirit of God dwelling within, which is the source of the light that shines without. The Spirit of God has certain characteristics that manifest themselves in our lives. Consider the following scripture.

Galatians 5:22 through Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The bible says that God is love (1 John 4:8). The bible also states that

Love is the very nature of God the father. Love is a general concern for the well-being of another. Love does not mean a rosy bed of ease. Sometimes love may involve pain because that pain is part of what is good for the individual.

Your love for others can show and people can see the love of God operating within you. This will bring glory to God as well as a better understanding of the love of God.

The happy state that results from knowing and serving God. A number of Greek and Hebrew words are used in the Bible to convey the ideas of joy and rejoicing. We have the same situation in English with such nearly synonymous words as joy, happiness, pleasure, delight, gladness, merriment, felicity, and enjoyment. The words joy and rejoice are the words used most often to translate the Hebrew and Greek words into English.

Joy is a spiritual force. The word joy means to experience great pleasure or delight. Spiritually speaking, joy is much more than an emotion. Sometimes people will say that joy is happiness. This I believe is inaccurate when the spirit is considered. Natural happiness in invoked by external stimuli. For example, you may become happy because you get a new car. However, joy is the state of happiness invoked from the spirit. You are happy because of God: You have joy. This is why you can be unhappy about lack of finances, for example, but still have joy. The unhappiness is externally invoked by your financial condition or situation and the joy is invoked by the internal revelation of God in your soul and spirit.

This light can shine and bring much glory to God. People may wonder why you seem to be happy in a time of despair. They may wonder how you can smile and maintain a good attitude when things seem to be falling apart around you. At that time you can explain the Joy of the Lord that is within you. One of my favorite scriptures regarding joy is the following.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Peace is a spirit of tranquility and freedom from inward and outward disturbances or circumstances. It is being still even in the midst of trouble. Here too people may wonder why you seem to be at peace when so much is going on around you. Here again you can explain that you have the peace of God within you and that keeps you calm. Consider the following scripture.

People may wonder why you don't worry. You explain to them that you have the peace of God and you trust God so you don't have to worry.

How many of us could use more patience. Patience is the ability to consistently wait and to tolerate. It is the ability to go through trials - longsuffering. It is an active endurance of opposition, not a passive resignation. Patience is endurance, steadfastness, longsuffering, and forbearance. Understand that patience is not the act of passiveness. It is the ability to endure consistently without being moved by what is going on around you. This affords you the time and state of mind to objectively deal with any situation.

Patience is indeed a virtue. People may take your patience as a weakness or an opportunity to take advantage of you but in the long run they will notice how clever you really were. Your patience afforded you the time to effectively deal with the situation while others were responding emotionally.

Kindness means benevolent, thoughtfulness, considerate. The steadfast love that maintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need.

This is what most people associated Christianity with. They expect Christians to be benevolent to others in ways such as helping, donations, etc. Though kindness is a characteristic of the Spirit of God and therefore Christians, it should not be considered the only and defining characteristic of Christians. Doing so would be very misleading because sometimes kindness is not appropriate in a situation. Consider when Jesus turned over the money changers' tables'. That wasn't kind or benevolent at all, though it was very appropriate.

Goodness means to be well behaved. Having desirable or positive qualities.

Faithfulness is the act of being faithful. Steadfast, dedicated, dependable, and worthy of trust. It is derived from the Hebrew root having the basic meaning "to trust (a person)," or "to believe (a statement)." This is the same root that gives us the word "amen." The derived meaning is that the one so described is trustworthy, dependable, trusting, or loyal.

Are you faithful? This is a very important characteristic. Are you always late or don't do what you say you are going to do consistently? Do people naturally believe you when you say something? Your faithfulness or unfaithfulness is under scrutiny by all those who are watching you. This is a great way, though lacking, to bring honor to the Christian faith and thus Christ. Christ is faithful and we should therefore be true representatives of that faithfulness by being faithful in everyday normal activities.

Gentleness means meekness, peaceful, mild mannered, not harsh. We can truly shine forth the gentleness that resides in us. Again, gentleness might not be appropriate in all situations. Balance is the key else the non-believer will assume that Christians are supposed to be gentle and peaceful folk.

Self-control is the ability to retain your composure, to remain in control of your actions. Modern translations' term for several Greek words indicating a sober, temperate, calm, and dispassionate approach to life, having mastered personal desires and passions.

People will be amazed at how well you can control yourself especially against emotional stimuli. This too can bring glory to God because the source of that self-control is the Spirit of God.

So let your light shine so that people can see your good works and glorify God. Your good works are performed as a result of the righteousness that is within and not for selfish or prideful reasons. Allow people around you to see the true Christian spirit so that they can really see Christ (working within you). We can still make a difference even though we have so much against us in the mainstream religious community. They preach a religion that is from the mind of man while we live a life that is based on the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

Let your light shine. Allow people to see the Christ that is living within you and perhaps if enough of us do this then the general population will see Christianity for what it really is-a system of faith in Jesus Christ and not a doctrine of prosperity and wealth, which is so prevalently preached. Bring glory to God by living the life of Christ and therefore letting the light within you shine. Only then will the non-believer really see Christ-the Christ in you, the shining light within.

Your life's witness is very important. People tend to interact more effectively with those around them because it is more personal. Sure the TV evangelists might be popular but nothing beats the personal touch with those you see each day. Your witness is important because people are always watching you and correlating what you do with their concept of Christianity. Sometimes they might have things mixed up because they are comparing you with the church scene that they see on television or hear on the radio or even with the personal experiences they have with church. Just talking to people and giving them the reason for the hope that you have and the things that you believe can correct those mixed up times. Yes, your witness is very important because it is the first access point that people really have with Jesus Christ, God, and Christianity. Let your light shine that people will indeed see the Christ in you and above all that God would get the glory and they would eventually come to Christ. Amen.