A Lesson From History...

In July 1776, a man named John Hancock made one of the boldest and most symbolic gestures of any man when he not only was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, but he signed it so largely and profoundly that, in his words, "King George will be able to read that all the way from his seat in Parliament!" You see, there was no doubt that he was committed to the cause of freedom, and he was willing to let everyone know it. The other men present followed suit and signed the document, but none of them had the vision, confidence, or determination to follow Hancock's example and take a bold step of faith.

How daring! How committed! How inspiring! How passionate about the cause!

Now think about this...How often do you and I proclaim to be a Christian to our church friends but then try desperately to blend in with everyone else when we go to school, to work, or to socialize with non-Christians? Are we willing to boldly and passionately display Christ's name on our lives, day in and day out, for all the world to see or do we do like all of the other people who signed the Declaration and just sort of haphazardly place our name with all the others never trying or desiring to boldly go where others don't? Remember we are to be a beacon of hope and light to this dying and decaying world. This is better explained to us in Matthew 5:13-16, where it says...

"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. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.