When I was a child, I loved the little song that began, “This little light of mine, I’ma gonna let it shine.” It went on to talk about putting it under a bushel and not allowing Satan to blow it out. This little children’s song may seem a little tame for today’s children, but its message is anything but tame.
Jesus, addressing His first disciples, declared: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). Followers of Jesus are “light.” Being light is not optional for the Christian. It is what we are by virtue of our relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the Light who came into the world to enlighten every man (John 1:9). Thus our relationship with Jesus enables us to reflect His light to a dark and needy world.
The Apostle Paul expressed the same truth in this manner; “Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15). I hear many believers bemoan the fact that the world seems to be darker and more evil. Perhaps the problem is that we are reflecting less and less of the character of Christ, who is the Light.
For light to have an impact, it must be made visible. That’s why Jesus told the disciples that light could not be hidden under a basket, but must be positioned like a city on a hill.
We are to live in such a distinctive manner that our light will draw people to Jesus.
Prayer: Forgive me when my bashfulness causes me to hide my light. Let me shine for you today. Amen