Showing Through

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

One day, a young boy questioned his mother, "Mom? I've heard that God is so big that He holds the whole world in His hand. Is that true?"

She replied, "Yes, son it is."

He then asked, "I've also heard that God lives inside of me."

"That is true as well son," his mom replied.

"Well, if God is so big and He lives in me who is so small, should He not be showing in me somewhere?"

His mom replied, "Yes, son He should."

That story I heard one day made me question my own life. What do people see in me? Am I kind? Are people drawn to God through me or are they chased away? Am I a light to those in the darkness or an obstacle in their path? Too often, I found that my actions did not line up with what I claimed to believe. I grieved for a long time that I had wasted my past and for what I had done. But God is gracious and merciful, and His word declares that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). The past cannot be changed, so what truly matters is what I do today.

Jesus said that His followers are the light of the world which cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). Imagine a lighthouse on a desolate and rocky shore. The bulb or flame which occupies a small space and is surrounded by darkness, yet once it is ignited, the light shines bright enough to pierce and conquer the dark. It shines bright and guides those who are lost and are in danger, and who without the guiding light would be doomed.

This world is dark and filled with danger; most people in the world are just trying to stay afloat. We are all prone to looking after our own needs and desires because our time and resources are too limited to think about helping someone else. However, Jesus has given us new life and has set us on fire for a purpose. We are filled with the light that can save those who are in dark, dangerous waters, yet we must all choose to trust in the One who called us. He has promised to meet all of our needs, if we only seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:31-34).

We all are empty, lonely, and defeated when we fail to put God first. Our lights may have grown so dim that we may wonder if even a spark remains, but Jesus is our light. We are simply vessels. Those living in darkness need the light, so we do not have to go far to reach the lost and hurting. All we must do is be willing to let God's love flow through us to those who need it most. God will direct you where He wants you to serve Him. The homeless are everywhere, the prisons are full and the opportunity to help others are numerous. It does not matter where you serve as long as you go where God calls you to, for when we shine brightly as Jesus commands, we cannot help but let God's glory show through.