The Treasure Within

    There are several countries around the world where it is either illegal to be a Christian or illegal to share your faith. Christians in these countries feel the constant pressure of the scrutiny of everyone around them. They spend every moment of every day choosing carefully what words they say, what their actions imply, and what the general representation is that they give. Their faith is a great treasure they carry around inside of them. Knowing that the only way they can openly share the miracle of the gospel is through the example of their lives.

We carry the same treasure. We are watched just as carefully by just as many people. Our lives and jobs may not be on the line, but our faith is. Living in a country that has religious freedom should, if anything, make us want to be more careful. For myself, I know that most of the things I do or say are the result of an unconscious thought or habit. Why is it so hard for me to remember how closely my life is watched, when I spend so much of my time watching and learning from the other Christians around me? All of us who live in Christ and bear His name have an equal yet individual responsibility. To live our lives in such a way, that all who see us will see our Savior.

These past few months have shown me on a completely different level how impactful a life lived out in Christ is. A life spent continually glorifying Christ transcends all language and cultural barriers and all ages and professions. Every moment of every day we have a choice as to how much of a glimpse we give the world of our treasure. How clearly are we letting people see it in our lives?

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” - 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)