Illuminate
We have a drawer in our home with various sizes and strengths of flashlights. Normally, the only time that drawer is opened is when it’s dark and light is needed–like for checking up in the attic, or when the power goes out. Yet, for the good they can do, we simply don’t use them very much.
The Kingdom should not be like that drawer–a collection of lights that are unused more than used. Instead it is to be a group of people who are continually shining their lights; people who bring good wherever they are and wherever they go.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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.”
You are to let your light shine to your family, with your co-workers, and neighbors. The light of Christ should radiate from your words, your social media, your actions, and your interactions with others. You are lamps who are to be consistently shining the light of Christ.
You may not think it matters. You may wonder how much impact you can truly make. It matters more than you know. If you’ve ever been in darkness, you know the feeling to finally have illumination. When the light finally fills the darkness, there is relief to all in the dark.
We can shine our light in many ways. It can be small acts of kindness like a smile, holding a door, or buying Chick-Fil-A for the person behind you in the drive-thru. It can be larger things like bringing some food, buying some clothes, praying with someone, paying a bill for someone else, sending a card, or making a hospital visit.
The good works we do are not for our glory, but for God’s. And there’s no end to the good that can be done to the glory of God. Big or small, with every good work, you share the love of Jesus and let Him shine through you into dark places. It’s His light, but He’s using your voice, your hands, your feet, your treasure, your time and your heart to deliver it.
Is this about us? Nope. It’s all about HIM. It’s His light. It’s His mission. It’s His church doing His will. And He has blessed us with many opportunities to love, to serve, to share Him and to shine for Him.
Now, maybe more than ever, the world needs to see the life-changing light and love of Jesus. This world can be a black hole of darkness.
That’s why it’s so crucial that we do what Jesus said.
May we let His light shine……all the time……let it shine……oh yeah….