Have there ever been times when you wished that no one knew you were a Christian, particularly when you were outnumbered and it was embarrassing to be out of step with the majority?

It happened to me in my senior year of high school, when my history teacher asked me to write an essay on early Christianity. She recommended books I should read for my references. Since it was an atheistic school, the books I was to read were very much antichristian.

Instead of using those books, I decided to use the Bible and The Great Controversy. Although I received good marks for the way the essay was presented, the teacher made a mockery of my reference books in front of the whole class.

I do not remember exactly what I said in response. I do remember stammering something reasonably coherent. I also recall a hot feeling above my collar and my hands sweating. It was with some unease that I remembered the words of Jesus, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14.

By the Lord’s grace, in time I became more open about my faith. It was becoming more important for me to share my views as a Christian. There is a saying: “If you had discovered a cure for cancer you would not keep it a secret.” Have we discovered a cure for sin? If so, can we keep it a secret? The Lord says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1. That light we cannot put under a bushel; the Lord says to put it on a candlestick and it will give light to everyone in the house (Matthew 5:15).

Being a light means more than illuminating people with Christian words. Being a Christian involves more holding to different ideas; it means to live differently, to be different at heart.

I recall the experience of a young man who went to a place where he should not have gone. He could not tell anyone that he was a Christian. While he was “enjoying” himself, there seemed to be a voice inside asking him, “What are you doing here”? Dear young people, have you ever had such an experience?

While on my last trip to Europe, a young lady with a very pleasant personality told me that she was somewhat disillusioned with some young “Christian” men. She said they acted more like pagans than Christians. She was frustrated that it was so hard to see a difference between those young men and the non-Christians.

Where is the answer? We can be Christians, we can be the light of the world if we allow Christ to provide the wattage. Then we will “delight” to proclaim our faith, and to do God’s will, for the Law of God is within our heart (Psalm 40:8).

—B. Jaksic.