I'm gonna let it shine!

The story is told of a beautiful church building, built many, many years ago by a member of the aristocracy, in a secluded European village. The benefactor has been long dead, but apparently (confirmation would be appreciated, together with the name of the village!) the sanctuary still stands - a place of worship for both villagers and visitors.

Many have marvelled at the beauty of the building but, to the newcomer, one thing seems very strange - there is no lighting installed! Instead of providing any permanent form of lighting, the old duke gave each family in the village a lamp that was to be brought to the worship services, in order to light the the place in which the family sat. These lamps have been handed down from one generation to the next. When all of the families attend the worship service, then the building is well lighted. However, when some are absent, the places at which they would normally sit are left in darkness.

There is, of course, a very important lesson there, for those of us who claim to be disciples of the Lord Jesus, the Christ. Wherever we may be, if we fail to let our lights shine, then we allow darkness, fear, and discouragement to enter the world around us. However, when we allow the radiance of the love of Jesus to shine through us, the world is made brighter by light and hope.

This is, of course, only obedience to the command of the Saviour! He said: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16; emphasis added). 

Note, too, the reason why we should let our light shine! It is not that others may look at us but, rather, that they should be directed to the Giver of all light, even the heavenly Father. It's a challenging thought, is it not? Is my light shining, and pointing others to the Lord? May it be so for all who read this post - and for the one who has published it!