Let Your Light Shine

I have previously written about some of the clothes I found while looking for donations for our Armenia appeal. How about this little number, above? Subtle, eh?

It was actually my first sermon illustration and it was used the first time I preached. I was 16 and was asked to give a short ‘word’ at the after-church youth meeting at Heysham Free Methodist. I was pretty nervous as there were some attractive girls present; I wished to make an impression. One way or another, I think I did.

I wore the shirt but cunningly covered it up beneath a thick jumper or jacket. The church was well heated and it was pretty stuffy under those layers. I think my point was that we should not be secret believers, but that we should let our faith be known for all to see. With some practised alacrity, I whipped off the jumper and there was that lurid shirt in all its garish splendour. It’s the kind of stunt I now despise, but it might have been appropriate in a room full of teenagers, some of whom I recall were rather modest in letting their faith be known at our school. Whether it made any lasting impression, I cannot say.

The illustration was a tad vulgar and in 2021, I dare not inflict so outlandish a garment on the Armenian nation, who must surely have better taste in dress. Yet the point remains valid. As most of the larger denominations are either shrivelling up or blending into the increasingly secular culture, we who still believe and proclaim the everlasting gospel will stand out all the more.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

Nice clothes for Armenia can be left on the front left pew.