“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. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
For Reflection:
I am the light of the world… unable to be hidden… shining for all to see. What an astounding picture this is. That each of us, as followers of Christ, are beacons of light and hope for him. Living in Maine, how can I think of any other analogy than that of a lighthouse. A beacon of light casting far and wide… shining brightly into the storm, ushering those who watch and seek into safe harbor.
It's easy for me to picture this analogy and feel pride knowing that this is our calling as Christians. And then, I enter my day. I go to work where I’m under a lens. I’m afraid to be different; to say the wrong thing… afraid to cast light where I see shadows. Because, in reality, shadows want to stay hidden, and I’m fearful of the repercussions of being light instead of joining in and entering the shadows. Or maybe I don’t even need to enter the shadows, but I keep my light inside, burning brightly in my heart, but covered, invisible to the seemingly judging eyes around me.
Have you ever covered a candle with a jar? It shines brightly for a minute, but then the fire burns up all the oxygen inside the jar and the light quickly extinguishes and leaves darkness. I wonder if the same could happen to me when I keep my light safe and hidden inside. If I hesitate or am fearful to share it with others; if I bury the light of Christ living in me under a basket, will it also eventually go out?
Christ’s desire and message are clear. “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.” I sit and wonder at the enormity of that statement. I need to let my light shine before others so that others can see Christ through it. It’s not me under a lens of scrutiny... it’s Christ working through me. Just as a lighthouse is visible to troubled ships at sea, helping them to stay safe, and a city set high on a hill is visible for all to see, am I willing to let my light illuminate the message of Christ to those around me? Am I willing to allow Christ’s light to shine into the dark corners and spread light to the things lurking quietly in the shadows? Am I willing to live my life exemplifying the hope and message of the gospel song by Harry Dixon Loes, “This Little Light of Mine” and say to those around me,” This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine… Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.”
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, show me the places where I need to let YOUR light shine. Remove any fear or anxiety I feel when I think about sharing you with others. Help me to be proud and spread your light to those around me... to be a beacon of hope that others can turn to and see you. I love you. Amen.
Can you think of a time when you wanted to hide your light under a basket? What did it feel like?
What does being the light of the world mean to you?