Just before my recent trip to South Korea, I told a few of my dermatology residents why the Korean people hold a special place in my heart. When I was a college freshman, God used a Korean classmate to lead me to Jesus Christ. I even shared a few of my reflections from this blog. One young resident’s response stopped me cold: “Doctor, I didn’t know you were a Christian!”

While I never shy away from my faith, I’m careful to share it in a professional setting. During my teaching sessions, I sometimes drop Biblical references—like describing a complex disease with a tongue-twisting name and comparing it to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the friends of Daniel who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. But I would never ask about anyone’s faith, nor try to persuade; those conversations belong to the Spirit’s timing, not mine.

There’s an old adage that asks, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” The Apostle Peter reminds us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” (1 Peter 3:15). Perhaps this resident’s comment was the Holy Spirit’s gentle reminder that my life should raise that very question. Should I be more forthcoming?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

I need to continually yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who gives me the words to speak and shapes my actions so that others may see Jesus Christ within me. Faith isn’t merely lifestyle evangelism—it’s the light that shines through a life continually being transformed and conformed into the image of Christ.

So if someone ever says to me again, “I didn’t know you were a Christian,” I pray it’s not because my light was hidden, but because it was shining quietly enough to be recognized only in the right moment.

That is the kind of life I long to live—not hidden faith, but humble witness.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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