Let It Shine

Read Proverbs 3

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

At first glance, Jesus seems to be encouraging his followers to call attention to themselves. These are surprising words from the one who at other times condemned religious leaders who tooted their own horns. What could Jesus be thinking? Does he want his followers to have big heads?

The answer, of course, is no. The standing out and shining have a higher purpose: the praising of our heavenly Father. The light within us that deserves attention is the light of Christ, he who was and is the Light of the world (John 9:5; 12:46). People must know the source of the good and of the light—that it comes from the Light, not from a sunny disposition or a commitment to a good cause. These words of Jesus come from the Sermon on the Mount, not long after the Beatitudes, a list of the many ways God blesses us. We are called to a bold display of the bright goodness of God at work in us and through us.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Let your faith shine.

Today, Lord, give me the courage and the humility to let your light shine out through my life.