Best Kept Secret

          The title of this blog comes from a song by Skillet. The chorus says, "You're the best kept secret of my generation, the best kept secret of all time. Your the best kept secret of my generation, and I found you out." It's a fun, upbeat song, and it's easy to just shout out the lyrics without really taking in the meaning. But how true is that chorus?! People have kept the light of Jesus hidden under a bushel for years, but on September 23rd 2006 God shined His light down on me. I didn't have to find Him out... He found me out! Of all the millions of people in this world - God chose me. Of all countries full of poverty, famine, and disease - God chose to place me in the USA. Of all the different religions and beliefs - God chose to place me in  a Christian family. Of all the spiritually dead, "religious" churches - God chose to place me at a church of believers who stand on the Word of God. Of all the places I could have been on a Saturday night - God chose to place me at that lock-in with my youth group. God chose me... It still amazes me when I think about it, so how is it possible for me to take it for granted so easily and so often?
          It's easy to read the Old Testament sometimes and criticize the Israelites for turning their back on God and worshipping other idols. But how are we any different? God has led us through wilderness, guiding us every step of the way. He has clothed us when we were naked, fed us when we were hungry, and given us water when we were thirsty. He has delievered us from our enemies, and allowed us to cross on dry ground. We are no different than the children of Israel, as a matter of fact, we are the children of Israel. God is leading us to our Promised Land. Our leader, Jesus Christ, is in the dwelling place of God. And rather than do His will until He returns, we have turned to false idols instead. I imagine one day soon God will command Jesus, just as He commanded Moses in Exodus 32, "Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves."
          What is the purpose in letting history repeat itself? God called us to be different, set apart. He has given us a work to do until He returns. He called us to serve, to be His hands and feet. He told us to go into the highways and hedges and compel all to come in. He comissioned us to go and teach all nations. But despite all that He has brought us through, we still remain silent. The words to Barlowgirl's song "Keep Quiet" suit this situation perfectly, "All the things I've sacrificed, so that I could bring You to this world. I want them to see You in me, but Your name just keeps them far from me. So I'll keep quiet, let's hope they see I'm different. Jesus, Jesus why's Your name offensive? Why are we so scared to tell this world You've saved us? When all of the hope of the world's in Your name, why are we so scared to say, oh Jesus... I'm sorry I cared about my name more than Yours. I'm so sorry, how could I hide You anymore? If I keep quiet they'll never see I'm different."
          Let's not keep quiet about our faith anymore. Let's not keep the saving power of Jesus Christ a secret anymore. Let's not keep Him hidden under a bushel anymore. Let's show the world that we're different... Let's let His light shine!