From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16).

Whoa – what a command that is! Let your light shine. Hm-m-m…how many hide their "Christ-ness"? You're out to lunch with the work crowd but you're embarrassed about bowing your head or closing your eyes in a silent prayer of blessing and thanksgiving. Maybe you have to submit a travel reimbursement form along with other workers who were on the same trip. They have falsified amounts, travel time and distances, etc. If you submit the true info, they will be exposed for their lies, so you change your info to match theirs. How about partying at a friend’s house and he brings out a "soft porn” DVD and starts playing it. You join in with watching it along with the jokes and prodding of your friends. Hm-m-m, looks like the light is covered up! What say you?

Look one more time at the Scripture. Why does God say to have your light shine? So that men can see your good deeds and end up praising God (well, eventually anyways).

God's not saying to go around as an obnoxious, self-righteous, religious nut! Does a light even talk...no, it just shines and gets rid of the darkness. Can you just imagine what would happen in the hearts of those around you when you let God's light, that is in you, actually shine. It's not you, though, Bubba, it’s the power of God's presence shining through you and setting their hearts in motion toward seeking Him.

What if the scene changed to you quietly bowing your head to bless your food every time you ate? Or what if you just didn’t turn in your reimbursement sheet rather than lie; or just excused yourself when the DVD came on. Just those actions alone bring light to dark situations. It may be a bit uncomfortable for you and them, but do it; and do it in quiet and precious love, not in obnoxious religiousness. Do it as part of the life that you live, not as a "show-you-up" moment. Watch how God works through you. Be like the old Motel 6 advertisement, "We'll keep the light on for ya’!” Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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