Where Is Your Light?
Good Morning Friends,
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said that we were light, unfortunately too many of us do not like to share it. When Christ died on the cross it was as if part of him was placed in us as a light that if combined with others and focused would be a spotlight to shine into the darkness of the world. The challenge is connecting all those points so that others might see. The challenge is that too many are hoarders of light, keeping it hidden. Where Is Your Light?
Scripture: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
Proverbs 3:27-34 (NRSV)
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”
Luke 8:16-18 (NRSV)
“You are the light of the world. A city 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.
Matthew 5:14–15 (NIV)
Message: Ok where is our light? Be honest. Are we shinning that light in us for all to see? Or are we hiding it away as a way of managing expectations. Humility is great, but the thing is that we all need to have a conversation with God about how to shine our light in the world…how to deploy our gifts. Perhaps some of us are afraid that the light might expose our own imperfections. Friends, we are to let the light of Christ in us shine so that others may see these fine works and give glory to God who is in the heaven. Our light is to be a response to God’s love in the message of Jesus…in the presence of Jesus. The key idea here is that light is to be revealed not concealed. Jesus will not be denied. But make no mistake about this point…as the light shines it exposes everything and challenges us to blameless. Darkness cannot exist in the Light. There are no secrets here…ultimately all is revealed. Thankfully in God’s grace, here we discover that this journey is more about discovering God’s light in us than making our own. Friends, only God’s purpose is pure. Here in our creator’s purpose healing occurs. Here freedom begins. Here the light grows stronger. Here in the light, our fear is cast out by perfect love. Get ready to take your next step in the light of Christ.
Pray we get to enjoy how our contribution to the Kingdom fits into the Body of Christ. Pray we allow the light of Christ to unlock the treasures of our earthly life so they might be shared generously as well. Pray we as change agents illuminate the gospel message. Pray we shine a light as a witness to the light in us so that the world might be transformed, and our own fears and demons defeated. Pray we be unified in the silent work of influence and a visible manifestation of God’s presence. Pray we Love our neighbors. Pray we Imitate Christ. Pray we Get to know others. Pray we honor Hospitality. Pray we Tell others about Jesus.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 