December 15

‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.’ – 2 Timothy 2:15
   What does it mean to have the right to expression? Freedom of expression is a right that has been paid for by the blood of Americans. It is argued to be an inalienable human right, yet so few of us take advantage of it. We have a right to expression, but often are constrained by perceptions of inadequacy or societal apprehensions.
   God gave each of us a distinct personality, I believe, so that we might express ourselves on His behalf to others. However, latent ability does not ensure a masterpiece. Michelangelo surely trained himself prior to painting the Sistine Chapel. Shakespeare’s flat likely was littered with more crumpled papers than published scripts. We are called to challenge ourselves. We must bring definition to our expression despite our perceived lack of talent.
   We are called to be a witness to Christ. No witness in the history of the world was ever effective if he did not express himself to others. Who cares if you are not Shakespeare of Michelangelo? Expression does not have to be eloquent. It simply needs to be expressed. We are given the opportunity to help others to know Christ by expressing His truth.  A life without expression, for any reason, should be considered a failure in faith.
   Evidence for the importance of expression in our nature is found in Man’s desire for production. Productivity being highly prized in comparison to sloth, is an indicator of effectiveness. Productivity is sought in the secular world as well as the religious. Productivity is sought in the professional world as well as the personal. Productivity produces in us, a sense of contribution and helps to bolster our self esteem.
   In contrast, there is little merit to be found in consumption. No one remembers Dante for what he read. Lincoln is not remembered for the speeches he attended, but those that he gave.
   It is much easier to consume than to create. Consumption takes little to no effort at all and it allows the consumer to judge that which the creator has created while freeing him from any judgment himself. Yet, the irony of consumption is that the consumer is left feeling hollow and unfulfilled. No matter how much the consumer takes in, he will always feel less full than the creator who has bared everything.
   Rather than consume, God demands that we produce. We should challenge ourselves to expression. When we are weak in our chosen medium, we should practice until we are stronger. The creator can derive confidence from knowing that his expression is the truth of God and that he is helping others to come to know God through his expression. There is no shame in creation. There is no fear of criticism that can outweigh the importance of expressing the truth.
   Expression creates excitement. Currently, Islam is arguably the fastest growing religion in the world. Why is that? I argue that it is because Muslims are active. They are standing up for their faith in visible ways. Moderate Muslims are seen taking a stand for what they believe and it is exciting to watch.
   Christians must do the same. We cannot afford to be Christmas and Easter churchgoers. We cannot afford to curtail ourselves so that we do not offend anyone. Christ said, “Blessed is he who is not offended by me.” Christians must express the miracle of Christ’s sacrifice and Atonement in thought, word, and deed daily. We must live our faith. Take the banner of your Christian faith out of the closet and put it on display for everyone to see.