DEVOTION//Let your light shine

"Make sure that what [the government officials] are seeing is a true disciple of Christ."

That's a quote from a Chinese pastor who is known to Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a group that stands alongside Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

This pastor told VOM that he disciples the members of his church by telling them, "Of course the government is watching you, and even listening to you in your own home! So make sure that what they are seeing is a true disciple of Christ!"

I'm reminded of another pastor who urged Christians constantly to live out their faith in Jesus. "Dear friends," he wrote, "I urge you, as aliens and temporary residents in the world, to abstain from the desires of the sinful flesh, which war against your soul. Live an honorable life among the Gentiles so that even though they slander you as evildoers, when they observe your noble deeds, they may glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Peter 2:11,12).

Of course, Pastor Peter had personally heard his Savior say, "Let your light shine in people’s presence, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

We American Christians don't labor under government surveillance while we practice our faith. We aren't harassed in our communities because Jesus is our Savior. But living an honorable Christian life and letting our lights shine don't wait for persecution before they kick in.

We constantly strive to live as disciples of Christ in grateful response to our Golgatha-won forgiveness and our Easter-garden-assured victory.

So make sure that what everyone is seeing in you reflects your discipleship, reflects the light of God’s grace.

And pray that the Spirit gives courage to persecuted Christians in China and around the world to live as grace-grateful disciples.