And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. -Matthew 5:14-16 (VOICE)

Are you an undercover Christian? Have you ever been? I must confess I have been guilty of that more than once in my life, for sure. There have been times when I had my faith in Christ so well that no one would ever guess I knew Him. In fact, on the way home from work this very day, a car pulled in front of me that I could have easily hit if not for slamming on the brakes. I blew the horn and got the typical sarcastic wave from the person as she sped off onto the highway entrance ramp that she was in such a hurry to reach. I seized on the opportunity [as the offended party] to launch into a tirade about what kind of person she was. It wasn’t nice. Had she been able to hear me, not only would I have not held back– I’d probably have had more to say. Anybody that could have witnessed it would not have seen even a hint of Jesus in me at that moment. I don’t say this to take out the proverbial clubs and start beating myself, as I’m sure the devil would love to see. I say this to make the point that none of us are particularly unique when it comes to matters of being human.

I know Jesus loves me and that the Holy Spirit is present within me. How do I know this? Because, when I sin, He convicts me of it and I know almost instantly that I am wrong. As more time is spent in the Word and in prayer with Him, I find myself doing bad things less and less.

Listen, I can’t explain my actions. Here’s why: I am not able to do the things I want; and at the same time, I do the things I despise.-Romans 7:15 (VOICE)

In Romans 7:15, the Apostle Paul himself writes about his struggle with doing the things he despises (hates). I am thankful that such a verse is there because God reminds me that I am not alone and should not let the evil one single me out with his accusations. This does not mean that my behavior is alright because Paul sinned as well, but rather that I am not unique and beyond redemption. I know of nothing else like the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to help me live a happy, more productive life for the Kingdom. Amen? Amen!

When it comes to God and living a Spirit-filled life for Him, don’t be a secret agent! Blow your cover and be known for Him!