Be The Light

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

5:14-16 MSG


Over and over again I tell people to be the light of the world. I say that when Jesus came down to earth. Light entered the darkness. Truth invaded this world. When we pull Jesus into our own hearts, and your lives are transformed, we become torchbearers for the same God-light. We in essence, become the light in this darkened world. Jesus told us to go about the world spreading his truth, teaching his ways and leading others to him. This is the way of love, the way of peace, the way of serving the poor. When we do these things we are Jesus' hands and feet in this world.

I have a story to share. It’s just an instance that a friend of mine shared with me today but it sums up well what it means to be a Christ-follower imbedded in this world. Everyone could share his or her own tales of people being the Light.

A lady friend of mine was working at a major retail chain store. Things weren’t going well. Whenever she went near that place she felt sick in her heart. She wasn’t happy with the pay. She didn’t like the work. She didn’t like her co-workers. It just wasn’t the job for her. Today she entered that store to tender her two-week notice. On her way in, she passed a Salvation Army bell ringer. He was an older man wearing a lightweight coat, not near the protection needed from the strong, gusty winds.

She reached into her coat pocket and grabbed a stray five-dollar bill and stuffed it in the kettle and exchanged a token Merry Christmas as she entered. Inside the store office she dropped off her notice and informed that manager of her plans. She learned her next paycheck would be availed for pick up later in the afternoon. So she gathered her belongings and left.

Hours later she entered the store again to get her paycheck. Who did she encounter at the front of the store? The same bell ringer, still standing there, still working in his light-weight coat, still smiling and wishing everyone a merry Christmas.

This touched my friend’s heart. Oh what service he was performing without complaint. How could she repay him for his hard work? So after picking up her check she headed down to the Wal-Mart deli area and picked up two large cups of cappuccino. She then exited the store and asked the bell ringer if he was due for a break. With a smile he relied, ‘Yes mam.” The two enjoyed their cappuccinos together and she thanked him for standing there all day. He thanked her for doing more than just shoving money in the kettle but actually taking the time to appreciate what he was doing. The two lightened each other’s worlds. The two were torchbearers spreading the Gospel of love.

Be the light.