“We must show our Christian colors if we are to be true to Jesus Christ.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“We must show our Christian colors if we are to be true to Jesus Christ.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of living out one’s Christian faith publicly and authentically. The idea of showing one’s Christian colors is a call to demonstrate one’s beliefs not only in private moments but also in how we live and interact with the world. For Lewis, being true to Jesus Christ requires that our actions, choices, and attitudes reflect Christian values—such as love, humility, and honesty—so that others can see the difference faith makes in our lives. This statement speaks against a kind of passive Christianity, where belief is confined to personal reflection without impacting the world around us. Lewis urges Christians to be open and visible in their faith, not in an ostentatious or self-righteous way, but with an integrity that reflects their commitment to Christ.
Historically, this quote reflects Lewis’s own commitment to living out his Christian convictions in a world that often rejected or misunderstood faith. As a public figure and apologist, Lewis was keenly aware of the need to openly embrace and defend Christianity, especially in an intellectual and cultural climate where faith was frequently questioned or dismissed. For him, the decision to follow Christ was not a private affair but something that required public witness. In his writings, he consistently encouraged Christians to live with integrity and to demonstrate the transformative power of faith in every aspect of life.
In the modern context, this quote remains highly relevant in a society that often values private belief over public expression of faith. Many people today may feel the pressure to keep their faith to themselves or to conform to societal expectations. Lewis’s call to “show our Christian colors” encourages Christians to be bold and consistent in how they live out their beliefs, standing as examples of what it means to follow Christ in all areas of life. Whether in work, relationships, or community, this call challenges Christians to reflect their faith not just in words, but in actions that visibly demonstrate their commitment to Jesus Christ.
