Does Anyone Know You’re a Christian?
Marshall Almarode wrestled with this very question in his workplace years ago. One day, a coworker noticed the small cross Marshall wore and asked, “What does that mean?” During their conversation, Marshall discovered that his coworker had been a believer in Christ for about six months. That startled him — if a brand-new Christian didn’t realize he was a follower of Jesus, perhaps Marshall had not been vocal enough in sharing his faith.
The Bible reminds us that being a Christian is not meant to be hidden. Jesus declared, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15). Our faith should be visible and unmistakable.
Marshall’s friend boldly painted a cross on his hardhat at work. At first, Marshall thought that was a bit extreme and even considered himself the “older, wiser” Christian. But soon the Holy Spirit convicted him — his friend’s boldness was actually faithfulness. Marshall decided to do the same, but with a twist: as a Radiation Protection Officer, he painted rays of light streaming out from the cross on his hardhat, to remind himself and others that the radiant power of Jesus is far greater than any energy he worked with. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
Up to that point, Marshall had believed that if he simply lived as a “nice guy,” people would notice and ask him why he was different. But he realized something vital: no one ever asked. His silent approach to evangelism wasn’t reaching anyone. Scripture tells us, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). While good works can support our witness, they are not a substitute for speaking the truth of the gospel. Paul asks in Romans 10:14, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
From then on, Marshall decided that the “wait-and-have-them-ask” method wasn’t enough. He needed to shine the light of Christ not only through his actions but also through his words. Like Paul, Marshall embraced the call: “We also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).
This story challenges every believer: Do people around you know you are a Christian? Are you boldly proclaiming Christ in word and deed, or are you hoping your quiet kindness will be enough? Jesus commands us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Our actions may open the door, but only our words—spoken with love and truth—can point people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
