Is your home a lighthouse?
The purpose of a lighthouse, remember, is to shine brightly through the darkness to lead people on the open water safely to shore.
It’s no accident that sort of imagery illustrates how the Christian’s life is supposed to be. I’m sure you’ll recall Matthew 5, where 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.”
That means a Christian’s home ought to shine with God’s love, grace, and presence and be inviting to the neighborhood around it.
But some Christians … Well, let’s just say they act as if they’ve taken the bulb out of their lighthouse. Instead of their home being an inviting place, it’s where they go to hide from the world around them.
I have a heart for evangelism. I like engaging people who don’t know the Lord. But studies show that 95 to 97 percent of Christians don’t have the gift of evangelism.
Sadly, many Christians see that as a free pass not to 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. And 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.
Maybe you’re not the kind of family that enjoys having the whole neighborhood in and out of your house. That’s okay. But it’s important to figure out how you feel the Lord wants to use you to minister to others.
It could be you allow your children to bringing a few friends into your home. Even if it’s just a few neighborhood kids, you can still live out God’s kindness toward them. You can be there for them, pray for them, and find open doors into their hearts where you can share Jesus with them.
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 kids, but 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.
Earlier this week, we welcomed Kevin and Sherry Harney to our studios. They serve together at Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, California. Kevin is the lead pastor and has the gift of evangelism. Sherry doesn’t. But they practice what they preach and have been opening their home to the neighborhood for over 30 years. They’ll share how we all can find a way to be Christ to those around us regardless of our specific giftings.
Join us and hear their story online or via our free, downloadable mobile phone app.
After you’ve heard our program, Sharing Your Faith as a Family, let me know what you think. How has God called you to share your faith and to be a light to a darkened world?
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