“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
My wife put up our outdoor laser lights, which lights up the front of our home with moving, colorful displays. I love it. It’s so eye catching and fun to look at.
I asked my heart 🙂 if I’m displaying the brilliance of Jesus’ light in and through my words and actions. I’m also asking myself this week, “What does it practically look like for me to ‘give light’ to those around me?”
Jesus taught his disciples that they were the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16). What does it mean to you that you and I are the light of the world? To answer this question we go back to our Bible basics of how to read, observe and interpret Scripture. Look at the surrounding context. (Reading in context, context, context is the proper way to glean and interpret Scripture.) Jesus is teaching His disciples how to shine their lights by the way they are living, responding to hardship, attitudes to have, and how to treat others. The Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount give us powerful and practical insights on how we can shine our light for Jesus.
I’ve also been all asking myself, what kind of good deeds can I exemplify for others to see? And what could “my basket” be, that keeps me from shining my light for Jesus? What are your thoughts and answers?
There are many people in our lives and around us who are hurting in some way or another. One way to shine your light through our church is to give towards our SHOW GOD SHARE ALOHA (SGSA) fund. We’ve been supporting people in need practically through food-gas cards, helping with medical, household or utility bills, etc. Or if you know someone who needs help, let’s share the gift of Jesus love and light with them, through our SGSA fund!
*See flyer for more info and my contact info.
May the Lord continue to fill us with conviction, grace, insights… to shine our CHRIST-mas light for Jesus.
