Christ's Light/My Life.

Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Martha asked us a question (paraphrased here): How can we be "the light of the world" if we continue to embrace actions that block the light from shining?

Matthew 5:15 is clear. Jesus says, "No one would light a lamp and then put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand where it can give light to everyone in the house." Our pastor reminded us that the imagery of lamp and lampstand is reiterated by Jesus in the parable of the lost coin. In that parable, the woman lights a lamp and diligently searches the entire house for the one lost coin. Light shines; light reveals. It is not designed to be hidden, covered, nor smothered.

Pastor Martha shared that there are persons who claim to be Christians, but their Christ-light has been hidden, figuratively speaking, under clay pots. There are clay pots of fear, embarrassment, intimidation, love of sin, avoidance of persecution, and other things that lead a Christian to choose to cover their light and instead reflect (or emit) darkness.

Thankfully, we serve a God of grace and mercy. For those of us who have made an art form of embracing the dominion of darkness, we have an opportunity today to choose to embrace the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus, who is our Light and the Light of the world.

Yes! We are residents of the Great City on the hill: spiritual Zion, where Christ has called us to shine as lights. Lord, we will live as authentic reflections of Your glory. We will not hide Your light.