Hidden Treasure!

    In 1957 a monastery in Thailand was being relocated and a group of monks was put in charge of moving a giant clay statue of Buddha. In the midst of the move, one of the monks noticed a crack in the figure, so the work was immediately halted before more damage occurred.  That night one of the monks went to check on the statue.  He aimed his flashlight all over the figure, but suddenly he noticed a reflected gleam from the crack. 
    His curiosity aroused, he procured a hammer and chisel and began widening the split.  As he knocked off piece after piece of clay, the statue grew brighter and brighter and after hours of work the clay was gone and in its place stood a golden image of Buddha.  Many historians now believe that the original statue had been covered with a layer of clay by Thai monks several hundred years earlier to hide its worth before an attack by the Burmese army. All of the monks present on that occasion died in battle, and it was not until 1957 that its great value was discovered.  
    Similarly, many Christians today are afraid they might be cast out by society or deserted by family and friends so they hide behind a shell that makes them look like the average guy.  But Jesus called His followers to be different.  He said their difference should be obvious to others: “Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it gives light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). 
    Jesus said His followers are the light of the world; in-other-words, they are the sun and the fire of the earth.  If the sun refused to shine the world would cease to exist.  If there were no fire on the planet we could not cook our food, start our cars, or come in out of the cold.  The earth and all that is in it depends greatly on these two elements.  And it is just as critical that every believer let his light, for Jesus, shine brightly for all to see. 
    Light always gives hope and direction. When traveling, late at night, across the Mojave Desert, a town can be spotted in the distance by its lights.  The desert is pitch black, but the tiny lights of a small village are reassuring that life is just ahead.  This was exceptionally comforting when, years ago, we were running low on fuel and the lights in the distance gave us peace that we were going to make it. 
    This world is rapidly sinking into darkness so we must turn up our lights and let them shine brightly for others to see.  When a Christian lets his light shine cheerfully, God is able to talk to others. So let every Christian take off the covers, step into the darkness, and allow the love of Jesus to shine.  Don’t be ashamed!  Just shine and knock out darkness, fear, hopelessness, and hate.  If we will uncover our light, we will make a valuable difference in someone’s life.  For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com

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