Let It Shine

Picture by Caprice Miller

“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

In case you couldn’t tell, this picture shows an illuminated image of the American Flag – “Old Glory” as Caprice said.  How appropriate that is glows.  After all, this has been the symbol of hope and freedom for countless individuals in this country and around the world.  Brave men and women have fought and died for what it stands for.   It’s a symbol that can evoke so much emotion.  When we pledge allegiance to it and sing The National Anthem as it flies proudly, chances are, you’ll get that catch in your throat as you feel a tear well up in your eye.   As proud Americans we say “This is OUR flag! Let her shine.”   People are drawn to hope.  The opportunity of freedom and prosperity are the hope that Americans have and that draw millions of others to this country also. 

Hope and freedom were not new ideas when this country was formed.  It is what people long for.  We search for it in the next “new deal”, the next relationship, the next “fix”.  The reality is that it is right in front of those looking for it, but they don’t even realize it.  It’s as though they are trying to maneuver around in the dark trying to find a source of light.  Jesus is that source of light that so many are searching so desperately for.  In the verse above, we are reminded that we need to be that source of light for the world.  As Christians, we are not to hide our light under a bowl – we are called to let that light shine so that others can see God through us so that they are drawn to Him. 

My pastor’s wife, Lisa Young, recently gave a great illustration of how many of us seem to have a dimmer switch that keeps our faith from glowing.  We turn it up at the right times when we’re at church or around our other Christian friends, but we turn that dimmer switch down when we are in the “real world”.  We should always remember that it is in the “real world” that our light should be glowing at its brightest.  Our lives should be a beacon for those who are searching for hope and freedom.    This is what we have been given in Christ and it is not to be put under a bowl, but it is to be shared with the world.  Let’s be proud of what Christ has given us and declare, “This is my faith!  Let me shine for You.”  Let the light of Christ shine in you today so that those wandering around in darkness can see Him through you.