Lord Jesus, You are the One True Light.
You’ve called us to follow You, love others and be salt and light on Earth.
In You there is no darkness at all. Help us to shine brightly, never hindering
the light You have given us to share with the world!
Series: “Eyes to See and Ears to Hear”
Sing with me…this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine – let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! I remember singing this tune in Sunday school over 40 years ago. Perhaps you do too? I still want to clap my hands every time I hear it. It was a catchy little diddy, and even came with hand gestures that went with the words. I had no idea how meaningful this song would be to me years later. When I realized the true meaning of that “Light,” I had to admit the hard truth – I had completely violated the part of the song that went – “hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine.”
For most of my life I was hiding from the Light, fighting against the Light and even denying the Light. It was easier, because you see, Jesus is the Light. I wasn’t one of those women who wanted to give up my control, my opinion, my attitudes or my way of doing things. Yet, He found me. He rescued my exhausted soul in the moment I needed Him most. He promised me a hope and a future and I believed Him. Jesus became my greatest teacher. As I began to abide in His Word, I was given courage to share Him with others. I no longer look at scripture as contrary to my thoughts. At some point – I stopped hiding. As we seek Him and pursue Him we learn more and more about how to be a light to those who need Jesus in this very dark world. Yes, we will meet opposition, but sharing that He is the way, the truth and the life must be more important to us than the criticism that may come. Let’s look at a passage from the Gospel of Matthew:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
As a Christ follower I now understand that others can see Jesus through our good works. This parable of the lamp teaches us that the love and care we show others brings light and hope into their lives. We spread the love of Christ when we pray for, serve or help others. Jesus wants all people to see His image through those who have received Him as Savior. We can’t say “yes” to Christ and then live as if nothing has changed. His goodness should flow through us. His forgiveness should abound toward others. When we walk into a dark place, the light of Christ should illuminate the entire room. Our purpose in shining His light is not for others to notice us but for God to be glorified!
Our good deeds, our actions, and our words should always point to Christ. He is the Giver of all good things, the Healer of our hearts and the Redeemer of our souls. Without Him, all hope is lost. How can we put our light under a basket and make a difference for God’s kingdom at the same time? We cannot.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Have you spent enough time running? Do you feel like you’ve been living in a dark room, yearning for a flicker of light long enough? Jesus is calling. He knows your name and He has a promise for you. Be encouraged that you are chosen. In one step you can walk out of the darkness and into His Marvelous Light.
Now, when I sing, I mean what I say…I’m gonna let it shin, let it shine, let it shine!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Matthew 5:14-16; Jeremiah 29:11; John 14:6; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16; 1 Peter 2:9
