After Jesus’ parable, in Mark 4, about a farmer sowing seed on a path, rocky soil, amongst weeds, and on good soil, he continues by telling us not to hide our light under a bowl:

And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? (Mark 4:21)

Jesus is connecting the sowing of the seed – preaching the word of God – with not hiding our light under a bowl.

Every generation grapples with speaking the truth found in the Bible. Preaching has never been popular or easy. Nobody persecutes or kills self-help gurus. ‘Jesus as Savior,’ is a tempting message to keep hidden -  unless we are absolutely sure there will not be any embarrassment or backlash.

Recently, I approached a young man that I have had a few conversations with in the past. He was just hanging out, not doing anything especially important. I could sense the tension.  At one time he was moving closer to God because he was dating a committed Christian. Now he is moving further away because of the loss of this relationship.

We chatted briefly. I invited him to Passage Church, but he wanted me to leave, so I didn’t force anything. The conversation was awkward. Not harmful, just uncomfortable. I walked away wanting to hide my light under a bowl. I don’t like awkwardness.  I want easy conversations that preserve my reputation. I don’t want to approach people who want me to go away.

But Jesus says, “Listen Up! God’s word is light, don’t hide it under your reputation. God’s word is a seed that will produce fruit. Don’t hold it back. Speak up! Plant it in the heart’s of men. For some will have it stolen from them; others choked by this world. But, for many, it will grow.”