As I’ve mentioned before, my wife and I are big fans of the HGTV (Home and Garden Television) network. We’ve watched so many home renovation shows we should be experts by now–at least in theory!
The other night we were scratching our heads, along with Ben Napier from the show Hometown. Underneath some puke green colored kitchen linoleum he discovered solid oak floors! “Why would you cover that up?!” asked Big Ben with a bewildered look.
Jesus feels the same way about His followers covering up who they truly are. “You are the light of the world,” He said. “A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
Have you ever tried to dim the light of Christ within you? Regrettably, I have–in order to fit in–and it felt like covering up solid oak floors with puke colored linoleum.
The Hometown episode brought to mind a woman I know who collects and sells antiques. She has an amazing eye for finding old furniture that just needs some love. One time, she discovered a complete Ethan Allen dining room set painted lime green! Underneath the paint, she found (you guessed it) solid mahogany.
However, it’s a bit of a somber story for the Antique Lady, as the local’s call her. She explained that, once beautifully aged hardwood is painted over, you can NEVER restore the original finish. The untouched table and chairs–with their original patina–would have been worth twice as much if they had not been painted.
Jesus feels the same way about His followers decreasing their value to the world. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” (Matthew 5:13)
Have you ever turned down the volume (so to speak) of the godliness within you? Unfortunately–in order to blend in–I have, and it felt like painting over vintage mahogany.
Now, as much as ever, may we bring out the God-flavors of the earth and let the love of Christ shine through our lives. Jesus is the Light of the World and we are expected to carry a torch. Our good deeds for the glory of God are a reflection of Him.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
18 responses to “Why Cover That Up?”
This is a fresh and honest perspective, Crystal. We tend to judge others for their sins, but excuse our own. We all sin, but in different ways. This makes judging others a particularly bad idea. Thank you for your comment. Bless gs!
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We seem to cover up whatever we see as not good enough—I’m thinking off topic of women with makeup and hair color—we cover up and judge others who don’t do it as well.
We have a tendency to do the same with our mistakes (or sins). We cover ours up and judge others for making mistakes (or sinning) differently than we do.
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Amen, brother! You always add so much perspective to my thoughts. Thank you, and God Bless.
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Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
— Matthew 5:16
Great analogy with the mahogany painted dining set, I hold my hand up here…I have painted over my faith in the past to my shame. But with age comes wisdom (right?), and I am in no position to waste time denying my Lord to anyone. In this we need to always remember the warning of Matthew 10:33 – “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.”
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Thanks for your thoughts, Beth. I’ve done the gaspable too.
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“Hide it under a bushel. No! I’m gonna let it shine.” I remember the enthusiasm we put into the motions with this song as we sang it in Sunday school. David, you created two powerful word pictures to put with Matthew 5:13-14. Just as I gasped at oak floors hidden under green linoleum, Jesus’ audience must have gasped at the thought of a lit lamp being placed under a bowl. Sadly, I’ve done the gaspable and am so grateful for the mercy of the Lord. That He doesn’t discredit us, but calls us on it, forgives us, and gives us opportunities to be shiny and salty.
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You are most welcome, Bridget. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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What a beautiful reminder to be the unique individuals that God created us to be, all for His honor and glory, as we spread The Love of Jesus to those around us. Thanks so much for this encouraging post!
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Amen! Like the parable in Matthew 5, I will not cover my candle with a bushel!
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No puke green linoleum here, I’m letting my oak floors shine through!
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Thank you. Blessings!
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Ben and Erin seem like such wonderful people. There is a message here for sure: God is also in the renovation business.
Thank you for your comment.
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I saw that episode! My wife and I are also fans of HGTV. I’m always impressed how the Napiers on Hometown transform old, often worn out homes, into something of beauty. I think there’s a message in there somewhere? Thanks for another great post.
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A great illustration. It brings the point of being salt and light very powerfully home to us!
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Thank you, Bruce! Blessings to you as well, brother.
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Thanks, BG! God Bless.
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Some excellent truth here David, that we should all be mindful of. Thank you for sharing! Blessings brother.
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This is such a wonderful message filled with great thought and encouragement! You did it again David!
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