LET IT SHINE

 

SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

 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 run your hand across the wall, struggling to find the light switch in the pitch-black room. After some searching, your fingers graze the switch, and you inwardly celebrate finally finding it. As the switch is flipped, the room is engulfed in light. Every aspect of the room that was hidden moments before is suddenly visible and the darkness, is gone.

Anyone who has been in a dark room or outside at night knows how powerful a simple light can be. Even one light can change the entire environment. In the Bible, Jesus calls us to let our lights shine. I have found a good way to remember this is to recall the children’s song, "This Little Light of Mine." You know how it goes right?

“This little light of mine

I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

This means that we reveal Jesus love and reflect his light in the world. Shining our lights does not have to be a big extravagant gesture. In fact, most times it is the simple everyday things we do and the way we live that show Jesus light to those around us. It could be as straightforward as staying positive when other people have a negative attitude. Or perhaps, praying for someone who is struggling through a difficult time. Or feeding the hungry, or helping our neighbor. When we do these things, we are reflecting Christ and glorifying God.

In the world, there is goodness and people glorifying God. However, there is also the opposite. There is darkness, suffering and sin. John 1:5 reminds us that the “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The light of Jesus, and that light in us, dispels the dark places in our world.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help, we always have an opportunity to be a light. We can choose to pursue peace, hope and love in a time when there seems to be none. We can care about others when they might not care for us. We can follow Christ when the world is going the opposite way. Our lights can consume the darkness, with Christ our lights will not go out, but will glow and shine.

Let our response today be to sing with the children, “let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”