Silent Christians Are Like Unlit Candles

Good morning, church! Let’s talk about something most of us avoid like the gym after January 15th—sharing the Gospel. Don’t worry; this isn’t a guilt trip. Think of it as a little holy nudge.

Now, here’s the deal. We love being called Christians, right? But here’s the question: if nobody knows we follow Christ, are we really following Him? Let me say it plainly: a Christian who doesn’t share Christ is like a chef who never cooks, a singer who never sings, or a candle that refuses to light. What’s the point?

The Great Commission: Not a Suggestion

Jesus said it best in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Notice, He didn’t say, “Go if you feel like it,” or “Go when you’re not too busy binge-watching your favorite show.” Sharing the Gospel isn’t optional; it’s the mission.

Imagine you discovered the cure for cancer but decided to keep it to yourself because, well, you didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. That’d be absurd, right? Yet, we have the cure for something infinitely worse—sin—and too often we keep quiet about it. Why? Fear, awkwardness, or maybe we think it’s someone else’s job.

The Danger of Silence

Now, let’s get real for a second. What about your friends who are living in sin, walking toward eternal separation from God, and you’re just…quiet? Think about it: if someone was drowning, wouldn’t you at least throw them a life preserver?

Ezekiel 33:8 lays it out pretty clearly:

“When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”

Let that sink in. If you don’t warn your friends, coworkers, family—whoever—about the path they’re on, it’s like standing there, watching them step in front of a bus, and saying, “Well, I didn’t want to upset them.” Guess what? Not saying anything doesn’t just make you a bad friend—it makes you an accomplice to their spiritual destruction.

You wouldn’t let someone drink poison if you knew it would kill them, would you? Sin is poison. And if we don’t warn the people we care about, we’re basically handing them the cup.

You’re a Walking Billboard

Here’s the funny thing: whether you like it or not, if you call yourself a Christian, people are watching you. You’re like a walking billboard for Jesus. The question is, what kind of message are you sending?

If your faith is invisible, people might start wondering if it’s real at all. Think about it: if you went to a barbecue and someone said they were a grill master, but there’s no fire, no smoke, and no burgers, you’d question their credentials, wouldn’t you?

The same applies to us. If we claim to follow Jesus, but we’re not talking about Him or living like Him, people start to wonder. And guess what? That includes Jesus. In Matthew 10:32-33, He says,

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

Ouch.

Excuses, Excuses

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But I’m not a preacher!” Don’t worry; you don’t need a seminary degree to share the Gospel. All you need is your story. Nobody can argue with what God has done in your life. It’s as simple as saying, “This is who I was, this is what Jesus did for me, and this is who I am now.” That’s it.

And for those who say, “I don’t want to offend anyone,” here’s a question: which is worse—offending someone, or letting them walk blindly into eternity without Christ?

Gospel Sharing 101

Here are some simple ways to share your faith without being that person who shouts on street corners:

1. Live it out. Actions speak louder than words. Show people the love of Christ through kindness, generosity, and forgiveness.

2. Be real. You don’t have to act like you have it all together. People connect with authenticity.

3. Ask questions. Sometimes the best way to share your faith is to listen. People are more open than you think when they feel heard.

4. Pray for opportunities. Ask God to open doors and give you boldness. And when He does, walk through them!

The Joy of Sharing

Here’s the good news: sharing the Gospel isn’t just an obligation; it’s a privilege. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing someone’s life transformed by Jesus. It’s like introducing someone to the best thing you’ve ever experienced.

And don’t worry about the results. That’s God’s job. Your job is to share; His job is to save. As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6,

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

Closing Challenge

So here’s my challenge: stop being an unlit candle. Light up the world with the love of Jesus. Share the Gospel—not because you have to, but because you get to.

Don’t let fear, laziness, or comfort keep you from warning your friends. Because failing to tell them the truth isn’t love—it’s neglect. Love doesn’t sit silently while people walk off a cliff. Love speaks up, even if it’s uncomfortable.

And remember, you don’t have to be perfect, polished, or profound. You just have to be willing. God isn’t looking for superstars; He’s looking for servants.

So, go out there and let your light shine. Because a silent Christian might as well be an invisible one—and we weren’t saved to blend in; we were saved to stand out. Amen?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we’ve been silent when we should have spoken up. Fill us with boldness, compassion, and love for those who don’t yet know You. Lord, make us lights in this dark world. Help us to share Your truth, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude and love. Open doors for us to share the Gospel, and give us the courage to walk through them. We surrender our fears to You and trust that You will work through us to bring others into Your kingdom. Use us, Lord, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.