“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said, as He took in the faces of all those surrounding Him.
There was James and John, Joanna and Mary. There were nameless disciples and future pillars of the church. They all took in the Teacher’s words.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Your light.
Shines.
So that.
God gets the glory.
There Jesus was, the Light of God shining brightly before them, dispelling the doubts and the confusion from their hearts, preparing them for the calling of a lifetime.
This Little Light of Mine
I’m reminded of a candle.
When I was a missionary kid in Romania, the electricity often went out with the slightest threat of a thunderstorm. My mother had candlesticks and matches stashed away, so we were always prepared when we saw the sky darken with rolling clouds.
We’d spend the evening together around the kitchen table, eating dinner by candlelight, washing dishes in the dimness, playing a game or swapping stories as the lights flickered on our faces.
And when it was time for bed, we each picked up a candle and walked our separate ways.
In the darkness of the long hallway, my candle cast long shadows, illuminating both the steps in front of me and the world around me. That little light didn’t seem too impressive as it sat in its holder on the kitchen table, but taken into darkness, it shone brilliantly.
Lights in the World
As the disciples went out into the world, they each took the Light within them wherever they went.
Priscilla corrected and taught solid doctrine to eager disciples alongside her husband Aquilla.
Lois? She quietly raised her daughter in the fear of the Lord, and eventually her grandson Timothy too.
Lydia opened her spacious home to traveling apostles, practicing hospitality with eternal impact.
Tabitha? Hers was a simple ministry of sewing clothes for the poor without much fanfare or publicity.
There were some who shone more prominently than others, but all who had the light of Jesus dispelled the darkness around them with the brilliance of the Gospel.
Lit Up to Light Out
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
I wonder sometimes what difference my little light makes.
The potato soup dinners and comforting words to my husband, the picking up of refrigerator letter magnets and the scribbles of words on a screen… that little light feels inconsequential compared to the floodlights beaming on huge stadiums of nationally-known blogs and ministries.
But God does not measure our brightness by anyone else’s wattage. He simply calls us to be faithful in illuminating the darkness surrounding us by living and loving others to Jesus.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
God lit us up so that our light may go out. His light shines in our hearts and it is sufficient for the task He has called us to. A million-watt floodlight in a tiny apartment would be blinding, not comforting. God has equipped us for precisely the ministry He has called us to, whether or not our work will ever receive national acclaim.
So let your light shine, dear friend. Let the Light in you cover all your imperfections and all your insecurities. Let it pour out into the lives of your family, your coworkers, the lunch lady, and the guy who cut in front of you in traffic.
Because Christ in you is the hope of glory and light eternal.
Leave a Comment
Beth Evans says
As long as we don’t put our light under a bushel. Struggling with some health issues that make me cautious with commitments, afraid that I will need to back out if I am not feeling up to it that day, I have wondered if I am making a difference anywhere. But, I think my 90 year old neighbor felt loved yesterday when I invited her in for a spontaneous visit.
I needed to hear the reminder today to be faithful with where I am right now with the energy I have.
A memory of when our light sometimes is shining when we don’t realize it. Sometimes little kids come to me and want to cuddle or share when they do not know me. I am amazed and then realize it is probably the Jesus in me they are seeing. What is really amazing is that I don’t even need to feel all nice and wonderful of heart for them to reach out. So, sometimes he still shines in spite of us!
Asheritah says
Beth, you’re so right: children often are attracted to people who shine even without realizing it. Just like they were to Jesus. Let’s let the children come to us today. And the adults, too. 🙂
Kathy says
Thank you for the encouragement. God spoke to me through your words. I will let my let shine where I am (with family, friends and my community) and know that it is enough!
heather m. says
This is beautiful! I feel God reinforcing through your post the same message I wrote about yesterday… ” There are two ways of spreading light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” (Edith Wharton)
Have a wonderful day!
Dawn says
This spoke to me. I feel like a very dim cadle most days, if that. So many others seem like theyre doing so much. Knowing truth and applying it by living it out is so hard.
Asheritah says
Remember dear Dawn that God looks at faithfulness, not results. That powerful truth encourages me when I feel like I do too little. Keep shining where you are!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
This blessed me today, thank you!
Kathy says
Light is so important in this dark age we live in. God desires us to shine our light of love to others to draw them near and find God’s presence. I feel that when in doubt or despair, I can go to the Word of God to find a verse or passage that lifts the darkness surrounding me. His Word will penetrate the worst scenario. It says in the Psalms, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light on my way.” Thank you for these encouraging words.
Tara says
Loved this post!!!
Marcie Bridges says
I was just talking to the Lord not ten minutes ago about how I feel so inadequate to help others and be a light in the darkness for and to them. This is just what I needed to hear, see and read today. Thank you! Blessings, Marcie
Asheritah says
I just love it when God works things out that way. It reassures me of His love and faithfulness when I keep hearing the same message over and over again. He is SO very patient with us. Blessings to you!
Kate Carman says
This is awesome. Your light, my light is important. Some days even my best days feel like a mere night light….lol, but still bright by and for God.
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
Asheritah, thank you for your words. We may think our light inconsequential, but together our lives overcome darkness. Christ in us, let Him shine.
donna m. says
Thank you for such a beautiful post! Shine On!
Kate says
Love seeing you here, friend! Thank you for this timely encouragement!
amber miller says
thanks so much for these encouraging words! You’re absolutely right…in a world of celebrities and fanfare, little acts of kindness or mundane acts of faithfulness are not celebrated. We live in a one-upping world, a world of biggers and betters. I love how you said: “a million watt floodlight in a tiny apartment would be blinding not comforting.” Love it.
Meredith Bernard says
Asheritah, I missed this yesterday, but I’m so glad I saw it today. Oh my soul…these words!! What a beautiful portrayal of how the Light of Christ can and has worked in so many ways. I love all you say, but especially this line, “But God does not measure our brightness by anyone else’s wattage.” What a wonderful truth. Thank you for opening your heart to let these words out. I think this is my favorite post of yours I’ve read. xoxo
Marty says
Love this post. These words: “God lit us up so that our light may go out.”
More of Him…less of me.
Thank you for sharing.
Linda N says
Wonderful post! A reminder that God can use our “little” to accomplish “big” in a way that only He can.
golden silva says
Thank u for your encouragement, fortunately. I thank the almighty God for his Glory that have brought his light to dispelledl darkness, I am part of that ligh.