Be Light

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

I remember a few years ago when the big push came to save electricity by putting “energy saver” bulbs in all of our lamps and light fixtures. As the bulbs we had burned out, I replaced them with the “new & improved” models. They were terrible! It felt like you were in a cave–everything was shadowed and dim. There was no way you could see nearly as well. LED bulbs hit the market a few years later. They were more expensive, but used hardly any electricity and lasted forever. I put a few of those in–I felt like I was on an airport runway! The light was so bright and harsh, I had to keep one eye closed all the time! Recently, the technology has evolved in the LED light bulb world, with soft white and other adjustments so that we have great light, which is easy on the wallet.

Jesus calls us “the light of the world.” We are his emissaries to a lost culture, which is growing increasingly dark. Our love and grace and compassion should light up our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. People should see Christ in us. Yet, just as not all light bulbs are the same, neither are all believers’ witnesses. Some are timid, afraid for others to know of their faith. Their light is too dim. Others are brash and critical of the lost, demanding attention and belittling people for their lack of belief. Their light is too harsh.

Friend–with the grace of Jesus Christ, be light in the best way. Love those around you. Stand for the Truth when it is denigrated. Share hope with those who need it.

-Pastor Mike