God enters by a private door into every individual. -- Ralph Waldo EmersonAs soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. -- Charles H. Spurgeon
Within the heart of Christianity lies a single dilemma. If God calls man to share the good news with the whole world, why does he spend so much time speaking about the secrecy required of the believer? In other words, why emphasize "praying in secret" when God also tells his disciples to be an example to non believers? Why does Christ sometimes call his followers to keep silent about what they have seen, and other times to "proclaim from the roofs?" Even in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says in two different verses both "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" and also, "don't do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." This conflict can be difficult to understand.
There are lots of answers to Jesus' teachings on this. Some situations involve context, while others require an understanding of God's plan for the cross. Obviously some verses have to do with boasting, while other texts emphasize spreading the Gospel. However, that isn't really why I am writing today. I am not concerned with why Jesus encouraged both a private and a public Christianity. Rather, I want to suggest that Jesus wants every Christian to have both. We all need both a private and a public Christianity.
Reading through the "parable of the yeast," Jesus says that the kingdom of Heaven is like yeast being worked into dough. Interestingly, commentators disagree as to the nature of Christianity in regards to this parable. Some say that yeast in dough is radically transformative, creating bold and undeniable changes. Others suggest that yeast in dough is silent, quiet, incognito and "slow rising." What if Christianity were both? What if Christianity were radical, and secret? What if it were hidden and bright?
God has called us to a loud faith. One that proclaims broadly and shares boldly the message of truth. Likewise, he calls us to a quiet faith. One which secretly lives out the message and silently contends for righteousness. Can we have both? Can we learn to balance a private and public walk with God? What would such a faith look like? Isn't that the question?
2 comments:
Yes! One of my favorite indications to this is found in 1st Timothy 2:1-4. It says, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." This passage is essentially saying that we should pray silently just like Jesus said so that God can do all that radical molding in the world in which we live. Because He desires for all to be saved! I also think of ninjas who work secretly still get the job done. Or, in Matthew 10:5-42 when Jesus sends out the apostles! That is an excellent example of this teaching! Especially when He says, "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Thanks for sharing man. I am amazed at the ways God is growing in your life.
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