Our Screen Door Secret

As I stood in my friend’s doorway, chatting, one of her neighbors walked by. Instinctively, she dodged behind the door, whispering, “I’m hiding; I’m not in the mood to talk to her today.” I smiled sweetly and said, “You know I’m never letting you live this down, right?” The look on her face was priceless when she realized she was hiding—behind a screen door!

Though funny, this moment pierced my heart with great conviction, revealing a spiritual truth. I realized that I’ve also been hiding, avoiding people I should be witnessing to while God sees all, finding no humor in my actions.

There was a time when I eagerly looked for ways to share my faith, but life’s chaos made me lose sight of that calling; I forgot who I was and what I was supposed to be doing. I had withdrawn into my own little world. I took my eyes off heavenly things and focused on earthly events. I lost sight of a greater tragedy—that people are in danger of an eternal separation from God. Like my friend, I tried to hide, forgetting that I am always visible to God and others.

Our world seems to have spun out of control on a global scale. And it has changed the way people think, behave, and socialize. Many have become numb and overwhelmed with the magnitude of what they cannot control. Many have become more isolated and less open to others. It seems that humanity has fallen prey to fear. Even among believers, some seem to have lost confidence in God’s power, letting fear overshadow their faith. Our expensive gift of freedom appears to be held hostage by our own passive consent.

Scripture reminds us that though we live in this world, we are not of it. We are meant to be a light set on a hill for all to see. As the world becomes darker and people retreat into the darkness of fear and distrust, our calling is to do the opposite: to be wise, courageous, and ready to offer hope. We are to shine the light for others to help them find peace, hope, and salvation through Jesus!

God wants us to be active witnesses in the real world. How can people hear the truth if no one speaks it? How will they see a witness if no one stands as one? How can we save a world we intentionally hide from because we have become fearful or indifferent? Many of us, me included, struggle against fear and callousness. We lack concern and compassion. I know this is a battle I face, yet conviction holds me accountable.

Remembering my purpose means returning to my first love, the One I trust and follow. The Bible declares, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10, KJV).

To honor this calling, I must repent of complacency and return to the waiting harvest fields. We are no longer “waiting for the night” because the darkness has already come. So many are searching for direction, and it’s our privilege to light their way.

Jesus made our purpose clear in Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV):

“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, for it giveth 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.”

Our light is not only a beacon of hope—it’s an act of war against the enemy of our souls. Consider Gideon’s story in Judges: he and his three hundred men broke their lanterns, revealing their light when the odds were against them. The enemy was scared into retreat. Their obedience won the victory.

Jesus told us, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38, KJV). Gideon’s victory wasn’t about strength, intellect, or numbers but faith and obedience. Despite the late hour and the darkness, God promises to be with us and to go before us.

It’s not my intention to judge anyone. It’s a reminder to me, first and foremost. But I know I’m not alone. If you, too, have been hiding, I urge you to find courage, to discard fear and despair, and to rekindle love and compassion. Shake off numbness and step outside your comfort zone, lift your lantern, and be seen. Now is the time to shine, to become the beacon we were meant to be!