Reclaiming Authentic Christianity: Don’t Hide Your Light!

““You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14)

Embracing the Truth and Light of Christ

In the whirlwind of modern life, the profound essence of authentic Christianity faces the risk of being dimmed. Misconceptions and misrepresentations contribute to this risk. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His light. We must share it with a love that resonates with His character and truth. Today, more than ever, we must pause. We need to reflect and take action to reclaim authentic Christianity. This is a faith that is rooted in Scripture, sound doctrine, and a heart of compassion.

The Call to Be Salt and Light

Jesus declared in Matthew 5:13-16 that believers are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” These powerful metaphors define our role. Salt enhances, preserves, and heals, while light reveals, guides, and illuminates. These are actions, not passive states of being. As His followers, we must actively live out the life-changing power of God’s Word. We should let His light shine for all to see.

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6). This verse reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial love—patient, kind, and enduring. Yet, it is disheartening to witness some expressions of Christianity that stray from this divine example. The Church is entrusted with a mission not of self-preservation, but of boldness in sharing God’s love and truth. Our light must not be hidden but displayed for the world, glorifying our Father in heaven.

The Standard of Love

At the heart of authentic Christianity lies love—a love defined not by our own understanding, but by God’s truth. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 offer a blueprint: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” This is the standard set by Christ, yet too often distorted by personal agendas or faulty teachings. Ephesians 4:20-21 admonishes us to return to the truth found in Jesus. You did not learn Christ in this way. If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus.

Love rejoices in truth and holds fast through trials. Authentic Christianity must embody this divine love. It requires casting aside self-interest. It involves embracing the humility that comes from knowing and following Christ.

Grounded in God’s Ways

In March 2020, the world faced the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, the Lord revealed a sobering truth: “My people do not know my ways.” They also do not know my Word. This profound statement highlights the need for believers to seek a deeper understanding of God. They should strive to know His heart, His Word, and His ways. Proverbs 3:5 urges us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. They were unable to follow God’s ways. They focused instead on His acts (Psalm 95:10). Authentic Christianity requires that we learn both God’s ways and His acts, as exemplified by Moses (Psalm 103:7).

Christian maturity is not about superficial rituals. It’s about a deep relationship with God. This relationship is marked by obedience. It involves trust and a desire to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives.

Sound Doctrine as the Foundation

Titus 2:1 exhorts us, “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Doctrine shapes our beliefs, and our beliefs, in turn, shape our actions. Authentic Christianity must be anchored in the truth of the gospel, not in man-made traditions or fleeting philosophies. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

We must return to the foundational truths of our faith to reclaim authentic Christianity. These truths are revealed in Scripture. They are embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This is not an optional pursuit but an essential one, as it determines how we live, love, and lead.

Shining Brightly in a Dark World

Isaiah 9:2 declares, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” God’s light dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. We are entrusted with the responsibility to shine brightly. This brightness draws others to the gospel of Christ. Yet, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 warns us about the veil. It blinds unbelievers and prevents them from seeing the light of the gospel. This veil can exist not only externally but within the Church itself, when self-preservation overshadows self-sacrifice.

The Church is not called to be an institution of comfort but a beacon of hope. It must rise to its mission. It should reach out to the lost with the message of grace and redemption. It must illuminate the path for those seeking truth.

Faith Refined Through Trials

Unbelief is often the greatest enemy of faith. In moments of uncertainty and adversity, we are called to trust in God’s promises and His faithfulness. Job’s words resonate deeply. He said, “But He knows the way I take. When He has put me to the test, I will come out as gold” (Job 23:10). Trials refine us, strengthening our reliance on God and teaching us to walk by faith and not by sight.

Authentic Christianity is not a life devoid of struggles. It is a journey where our faith is continually refined. This process enables us to shine brighter for His glory.

The Time to Arise

Hebrews 3:15 urges us, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” There is urgency in this call. Believers need to reclaim the authenticity of their faith. They should walk in the light of Christ. This requires humility, love, and a commitment to living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.

Together, as the Body of Christ, we can rise to this high calling, embodying the essence of authentic Christianity. Let us not hide our light but let it shine brightly, pointing others to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

The time to reclaim authentic Christianity is now!

May our lives reflect His love and truth. Let all who see us be drawn to glorify our Father in heaven.

In His service,

Minister A. Francine Green