Shine
Recently I took up the laborious project of replacing all the light bulbs in our home.
I know, I know. We live adventurous lives, right?
It was of those tasks that I knew needed doing, but had been putting off because I dreaded what it involved: Dragging the ladder out. Taking out all our old, dim bulbs, and replacing them with brighter ones. Not terribly difficult. Just a chore. I knew the end result would be worth it, but I was not too excited what it would take to get there.
Finally, the appointed day came. I had ordered a couple cases of bulbs from Amazon. The bulbs had been delivered and it was time to get started. Room by room, I went about the task of replacing the nearly 30 bulbs. And finally, all the bulbs had been replaced.
The end result is, well, illuminating. How so? I’m glad you asked.
I learned a few things from this job.
- More light makes a difference. In every room, after replacing all the bulbs, I would flip the switch, see the difference instantaneously and proclaim “That’s more like it!” The simple act of bringing more wattage made a world of difference in every room. We have 1,000+ lights all over Wichita. When Christians let His light shine, it makes a difference in our cities, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Never underestimate the difference letting your light shine makes.
- Light shines best when it’s connected. A couple times, I thought I had the bulb all the way in, but didn’t. The bulb would stay unlit because there was no connection to the power. All the potential light in the world means nothing if it is not connected to the power. We are the same way.
- Light was meant to be bright. Whatever you are, you should be a good one. Your light was meant to be used. God did not create you to hide the gifts, talents, and abilities that He gave you. He intended you to use them—not for your glory, but for His. Dim bulbs aren’t good for much. Living in the shadows helps no one.
Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
You and I as Christ-followers are called by Christ himself to be the light of the world. We are, of course, a lesser light, that merely reflects the Greater light of Christ Himself. Much in the way that the moon reflects the sun, man was meant to reflect the Son.
So, be sure to live your light, connect your light, and let it shine bright!