The Bushel-Basket Complex

Matthew 5:14-16

Introduction

1. Children sing – This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

2. 2^nd verse – Hide it under a bushel? NO!

3. Many are hiding their lights

4. We have attitudes that do not allow our light to shine

Four Possible Issues

1. Don't want to appear fanatical about religion

   1. Don't want to be like Pharisees – do things for show

   2. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 – their faith was known

2. Want to look like the world

   1. Some say – look like world to convert world

   2. Don't want a “holier than thou” attitude

3. Might call attention to myself

   1. Humility is good

   2. Like electric light

      1. Does not glory in itself

      2. Power comes from somewhere else

      3. See 2 Corinthians 12 – Paul's thorn in flesh

   3. Let others see the beauty of Jesus in us

4. Ashamed of Christ

   1. Romans 1:16

   2. Mark 8:38

   3. Matthew 10:32-33

Answer to this complex

1. The light is not by our own power – draw attention to Jesus

2. Like at a concert – spotlight is on the star – you don't look at the spotlight

3. Must let others see Jesus in us – Galatians 2:20

4. Don't be ashamed of your faith