Hi Kat,
I agree with all you said, but you know as well as I do the light that shines in us is always proportional to the work Christ does in a believer, its not a question of hiding our light if God wills our light to shine, what ever light He gives us will shine in the darkness.
The light that shines from a believer will only attract those who the Father has given Christ which are his elect the few for the many hate the light and will most likely do what they can to extinguish the light if it were possible of course.
Not all scripture as you know is not going to be fulfilled in this age, I’m wondering if this scripture Mat 5:14 is for this aged or the next age, its still on my mind what age it fits in.
Rick my last response was directed to this post, and your very last comment in particular.
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
When Christ said, "You are the light of the world," I don't believe He meant as in we are to be converting the whole world... but it seems that it is to any that has His Spirit/light indwelling they are a light to whatever little piece of the world they may live in.
Luke 11:33 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.
It is not a question of making people understand the truth, but if the Spirit is indwelling, Christ will shine His light through us... that is what I believe is meant by "let your light so shine before men."
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
I do not believe that this is reserved for the next age, but is how the chosen are to be living out the rest of their lives, being an example/witness of the whatever truth God has given us. We in no way perfect, and may not 'enlighten' a single person, but we still should be putting into practice what we are learning. But we should not live as the world does and just blend in with them, or hide this wonderful knowledge... and that doesn't necessarily mean even mentioning there is no hell/free will. By showing the fruit of the Spirit I believe that is letting our "light so shine."
Mat 5:15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Php 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
v. 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
v. 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
I’ll try to rephrase it again out of love that you seem to think I lack
Certainly I have not, nor would I, make a judgment like that on you, sorry I came across as if I did.
mercy, peace and love
Kat