I’ve heard and met a lot of people that talk about their personal private faith being something of a secret. Almost as though it becomes more sincere when it is kept secret. On the other hand I’ve borne witness to several instances of severe hypocrisy. Kind of the opposite extreme of the personal faith people are the in your face faith people. It can all be a bit obnoxious when people talk it up, especially when the words don’t match the actions.
I’ve always liked the ichthus symbol. The little fishy symbol “<><”. Most people don’t know that it was specifically supposed to “swim” to the left. The other way is backwards.
Anyway, I had a nice set of these white “Jesus fish” stickers for my truck back in the day, but I was afraid to put them on. Mostly cause I knew without a doubt that my driving and a Jesus fish did not go together. Now, most people who know me know that I’m not usually very shy. Perhaps even a bit in-your-face. When it came to those stickers though I was quite different. I picked a small one, and I strategically placed it behind a tinted part of the window. Just enough to be sure that anyone that got a glance of the blur that was usually my truck would not likely see the ichthus. Anyone else see a problem with that?
There are a few scriptures that speak very specifically to this. So directly that I’m kinda convinced that keeping ones faith secret may be okay with other faiths, but not with Christianity.
Matthew 5:13:
13″You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14″You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The second is similarly specific:
1 Peter 3:
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
So, however unreasonable as it may sound, the Bible seems to say we need to wear our ichthus front and center, and behave accordingly. So no more cowering in the corner, and if you drive too fast to put your sticker on maybe you should just slow down. Of course I mean that metaphorically.
Don’t mean it only metaphorically, slow down if you are driving fast as well!
Also, read Isaiah 58:1
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.”
I agree, but it is difficult if you aren’t a front and center person.