Is Your Light Shining?

Matthew5: 14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I’ve heard this scripture multiple times. I’ve learned lessons on it, even remember a Sunday School song that goes along with it, and especially being involved with the mission field, this is a common scripture that has come up. I read it before leaving for Africa last year and even again in the “getting prepared” stages of my trip this year… Wednesday evening I have Bible study here in Zimbabwe with a group from the church. The topic this week was on this familiar Matthew 5 passage. We read discussed and shared about the verses, it was good, and similar to things I’ve heard before. However, as I tried to go to sleep that night I was kept up thinking about this scripture. I’ve heard it a hundred times. I’ve memorized the verses. But, that particular night it had such a different effect on me. I REALLY thought about it. I REALLY took the time to reflect on it. I REALLY let it change my whole perspective.

The question I was left with after reflecting on this passage was, “Is my light shining?” Not flickering. Not just lit while I serve at church. Not dim, doing the bare minimum to say there is a flame there… Is it SHINING?

In the scripture a candle is used as comparison. I’ve had a lot of experience with candles while I’ve been in Africa, due to the unpredictable, lack of electricity situation. Do you realize how much light a single candle can give off? (Go turn all the lights off in your house and light a tall candle) I find the candle in my room here is better than the flashlight I packed. The flashlight is bright, sure, but only where I am pointing it. The candle sits in the corner of my room and gives light to the entire space…     Is that ME? Is my faith radiating throughout, able to bring light to all that is around me? What if I'm faced with persecution around me? What if I’m completely unfamiliar with what is around me? What if where I am isn’t safe or comfortable? Is my light still shining? What about when I’m tired? Upset? In pain? Is my faith radiating? A candle which is not lit is useless. A candle flickering in and out is hard to rely on. A dim flame is not very effective. A candle is meant to shine bright...

Do you realize how big of a responsibility the Lord is giving us here? Do you also realize that He wouldn’t put this task in front of us if we weren’t capable of doing it? We are capable of doing so much for the kingdom of God, simply by letting our faith shine bright in all we are doing, to everyone around us. To some, we may be the only real representation of Jesus they see, we don't want to take the chance of being dim or without flame as we pass those people. Your life as well as mine is capable of doing so much! The way you shine at home, reflects the way your children see the Lord. The way you shine at work, can speak into the life of a lost co-worker. The way you shine as you go about your day, could change the life of a complete stranger. The way you shine on the mission field could change something around the world...

With that said, we need to recognize that things will come in and try to extinguish our flame. For me, it is fear… Fear that I am not good enough, old enough, or wise enough to make a difference. It could be pain, bitterness, temptations, unbearable weight from our pasts, addictions, etc. There is an enemy constantly trying to put out our lights through these things. Let us pray against them constantly and stand firm when the enemy creeps in with such burdens. Let us give NO THING a chance to dim our lights. We are to be bold in our faith, without shame. Courageous, without fear. Willing to put ourselves out there, for the glory of God.. and then let's see how He will shine through us.

All of this to say, as Christians, we are called to live lives that are testimonies of who God is to the world around us. We are capable of changing the world through how we live our lives in faith. We can be great examples of Christ's love, grace and mercy. If we allow our lights to shine, God will use us in MIGHTY ways… I'm confident in that!

 Is your light shining?

Thursday morning I was asked to speak at the Zimbabwe Christian College chapel. We’re talking a school full of soon to be pastors, ALL older than me. I wasn’t the calmest version of myself  preparing for it. I had tried to prepare a short message all week. I was set on speaking on a topic from one of the books I am reading, and I just had to add a final point to finish it off Wednesday night. I couldn’t come up with ONE WORD as I sat in front of my computer trying to finish. I prayed and asked God to just give me the words, “It is the night before, give me something!” What I felt was Matthew 5. “No, I can’t re-do what I have already planned,” it was 11 pm! But after staring at my computer getting nowhere, I decided to write a few notes about what I  just learned that night  from Matthew 5:14-16. I ended up typing a short encouraging message in no time, and knew that THIS is what I was supposed to share. Chapel went great, and I even had the grown adult students singing the Sunday school song by the end.

... I'm working on not letting fear take my light.