The Quiet Christian and St Cyprian
Cyprian was born sometime in the early third century. He was of a wealthy and distinguished pagan background; in fact, the site of his eventual martyrdom was his own villa. Before becoming a Christian, he was an orator, "pleader in the courts", and a teacher of rhetoric. The date of his conversion is unknown, but after his baptism about 245–248 he gave away a portion of his wealth to the poor of Carthage, as befitted a man of his status.
His original name was Thascius; he took the additional name Caecilius in memory of the presbyter to whom he owed his conversion. In the early days of his conversion he wrote an Epistola ad Donatum de gratia Dei and the Testimoniorum Libri III that adhere closely to the models of Tertullian, who influenced his style and thinking.
His entire community was put to an unwonted test. Christians in North Africa had not suffered persecution for many years; the church was assured and lax. Early in 250 the "Decian persecution" began. Measures were first taken demanding that the bishops and officers of the church sacrifice to the emperor. The proconsul on circuit, and five commissioners for each town, administered the edict; but, when the proconsul reached Carthage, Cyprian had fled.
It is quite evident in the writings of the church fathers from various dioceses that the Christian community was divided on this occasion, among those who stood firm in civil disobedience, and those who buckled, submitting in word or in deed to the order of sacrifice and receiving a ticket or receipt called a "libellus". Cyprian's secret departure from Carthage was interpreted by his enemies as cowardice and infidelity, and they hastened to accuse him at Rome. The Roman clergy wrote to Cyprian in terms of disapproval. Cyprian rejoined that he fled in accordance with visions and the divine command. From his place of refuge he ruled his flock with earnestness and zeal, using a faithful deacon as his intermediary.
A short letter from St. Cyprian to his friend Donatus, while in exile:
“This seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden under the shadow of these vines. But if I climbed some great mountain and looked out over the wild lands, you know very well what I would see; brigands on the high roads, pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness. It really is a bad world Donatus, an incredibly bad world.
Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a quiet and holy people. They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this sinful life. They are despised and persecuted but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians… and I am one of them.” (From the Devotional Bible, Max Lucado, General Editor)
Sometimes we all would like a comfortable place to get away from it all and just reflect on life; a beautiful place like St. Cyprian’s garden of vines. Though of course Cyprian was effectively forced to his condition of contemplation, he was still reticent of the plight of the Christians whom he loved.
But what of the Quiet Christian of whom St. Cyprian speaks. These Christians were still facing very real persecution by the Roman government, as it would be another 50-60 years when Constantine would proclaim his Edict of Man in 313, which provided for religious tolerance for all faiths throughout the Roman Empire. So at St. Cyprian’s time, persecution was in its death throes and at its worst.
Now, what about this quiet Christian that St. Cyprian refers to? This Christian is subject to all of the nastiest torture you can imagine just because they hold to their Christian beliefs. But still this Christian found joy in his walk with Christ. This Christian would proudly proclaim their savior under the threat of the most severe retribution, all in a fallen world not unlike our own.
Today, in North America, it is much easier to claim Christianity. We can attend church services without much more than traffic to stand in our way. The modern American Christian can witness to anyone they want to without the worry of the government hauling them off to some secret place to endure torture or maybe even death. The worst we can expect from sharing our witness here is the occasional rude comment from someone who just doesn’t want to hear it.
All in all, I believe we have become too quiet. God didn’t tell us to keep our witness to ourselves; He told us to be a light unto the world, doing good things in His name and sharing the Gospel to the world. I know, I know, many of us have fear of rejection. Many others hold that their religious views are a private matter. I can identify with you there. I was brought up as a Christian who was quiet. We were firm believers, but we were way to comfortable in the cacoon that was our faith and church. Sure, we’d answer questions gladly if asked, but we weren’t going for that Bible-Thumping Evangelism stuff; no way!
But here is the biggest problem with quiet Christianity; people aren’t mind readers. They won’t know the joy of your walk with Christ unless you share your story. Personal evangelism and sharing your personal witness is the strongest way to win souls for Christ; it opens a dialogue.
14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-15
Let your light shine! Be that light of the world and share your light as often as you can. This world is a dark fallen world. There are many out there who would stumble around blind in the darkness. Jesus told us five different times to go out and spread the Gospel in His Great Commission. We have the joy that is only found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! You have the only key that will unlock the beautiful mystery that is Christianity to some people. What are you waiting for?! Pull the key out of your pocket or purse and go unlock some doors! Let the world know how beautiful it really is to walk with Christ. Let them know that we have a faithful and loving God who is full of Grace and just wants a personal relationship with them, their lost children!
If you would like some conversation starters or ways you can share Christ, please don’t hesitate to message me. We can make some resources available to you.
May The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
