Sharing Your Faith as a Family

Is your home a lighthouse?

The purpose of a lighthouse is to shine brightly through the darkness so that people on the open water can make it safely to shore.

That imagery illustrates the profound nature of the Christian life. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world” and then encourages us to let our “light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”

A Christian’s home ought to shine with God’s love and grace and be welcoming to the neighborhood around it. But some Christian homes … well, let’s just say it’s as if the bulb has been removed from the lighthouse. Instead of being an inviting place, it’s a place for hiding from the outside world.

Studies show that 95 to 97 percent of Christians don’t engage non-believers. But Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 were spoken to all of us. We’re all called to shine the light of Christ in whatever way He has gifted us.

Some people have the gift of generosity, but we’re all called to give. Some people have the gift of service, but we’re all called to serve. It’s very much like that with evangelism, I believe. Some people have the gift of evangelism, but we’re all called to share Jesus by loving others.

Most Christians will never get the opportunity to touch the lives of huge crowds or to influence people on the other side of the globe. But God has given all of us a mission field right where we live. Our first priority is to be Christ to those around us, including our spouse and our children, and our neighbors as well.

Imagine if millions of Christians across the country loved their neighbors like Jesus would. Think of the impact that would have in our nation.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Sharing Your Faith as a Family,” Kevin and Sherry Harney are with us, sharing how we all can find a way to be Christ to those around us regardless of our specific giftings. Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Kevin and Sherry serve together at Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, California. Kevin has the gift evangelism. Sherry doesn’t. But they practice what they preach and have been opening their home to the neighborhood for over 30 years.

Then, after you’ve heard the program, let me know what you think. How has God called you to share your faith and to be a light to a darkened world?

Kevin and Sherry’s book Organic Outreach for Families: Turning Your Home into a Lighthouse is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, visit our website.