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This Little Light of Mine, I'm gonna let it shine!
From Matthew 5: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
I don't remember when I first heard it or learned it, but it was one that stayed with me and one whose hand motions I have loved. I loved seeing my daughters learn it and sing it, and now am enjoying the blessing of seeing our grandchildren learning it. "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, no? I'm gonna let it shine..."
Sweet, simple, but powerful song based on this passage. Jesus' second part of our blessing and obligation as members of God's new kingdom is to be "the light of the world." We are to be those whose lives shine brightly and give example to others of what is right and good, of what is pleasing to God and brings blessing to those still in darkness. Those who would follow Jesus have assumed a great responsibility of lighting the way for others. Our choices, decisions, examples, all help others in their decision-making and path-taking. We have seen the Way of Christ and that is the one that should brighten the world around us. Have you stopped to consider the power of your smile on those around you? I read a blog by a professional speaker and successful business person, who was asked early in his career if he was mad at those around him. He asked why? The person asking him told him, you never smile and it looks like you're angry at those around you. He did not quite believe it but asked that at his next presentation he be videotaped so that he could see it for himself. The reality hit home hard. It did look like he was mad and did not help convince his listeners of what he was trying to share with others. You know those around you with smiles that shine whenever they flash their teeth or just make their mouths shine the happiness and joy inside of them. A smile goes a long way in showing the light within us. I know it is not always possible to be a person who smiles; but in spite of hardships or challenges we cannot lose the joy that is deep in our hearts placed there by Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. But a smile is only one piece of a larger light. Our actions, our deeds, what we strive to do for others, our willingness to listen and to pray for others; these are part of our light. Nowhere does it say we are to be perfect, but we should be willing to do the things shared with us by Christ.
There are those among us who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), who when fall arrives they get sad or depressed and as the winter months move in, their sadness deepens. They don't want to get out of bed and are moody. Chief among the remedies is light. Some doctors will prescribe working under a bright light at your work place, especially your desk and that light will make all the difference in the world. Some, of course, need therapy and medications, but think of the power of light on those who suffer such a malady. Your light may just help people who think they suffer the "winter blues" or "seasonal funks." The man I mentioned above, the professional speaker, is one who employs a light sold in office supply stores just to help fight against SAD. Imagine surrounding yourself with people of light or being a person of light always.
Our lives become the positive sermons on behalf of the living God. What others see in us will either convince them or convict them of what is right and good before God. We serve to give glory to God, not ourselves.
PRAYER: God of power and light, help me to shine in all ways to bring honor and glory to Your name. Let me reflect the light of Christ in my dealings with others; may my "sermon" life be one that brings others to You. This I pray in He who is Light, Jesus my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
