I was talking with a friend and recalling a time when the power went off. The house was completely black. I know my house well and usually have no trouble maneuvering even in the darkness but this was different. Before I could get to the oil lamps and the candles I had stubbed my toe many times. Searching in the darkness is frustrating but it can also be frightening if you’re unaware of your surroundings.
It reminded me of these verses.
“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
We need to let the light of God shine through us each day, reflecting His glory and love. We should reflect God’s love in the same way that the moon reflects the light of the sun and then shines in beauty. It would be silly of the moon to think that the light it gives is of its own making. It is just as silly for us to think that we have any goodness to radiate on our own – we must be reflective agents of the God who created us and chooses to share His love with us.
There are millions who need to be rescued from the darkness. Darkness can be another word for loneliness, fear, low self-esteem, anger, hatred and a life without Jesus.
So for me, I will say this little light of mine – I’m gonna let it shine!