Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:14-16: 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

 The word "let" in verse 16 indicates that we have a choice as to whether or not we let God's light shine in our lives.  To let something happen means that we aren't preventing or forbidding it, but rather allowing it.  I picture a light switch on a wall.  The power source is there, we just have to tap into it by flipping on the switch. 

 We aren't the power source, we just reflect the light that God provides. As elementary as this may sound, really think about what you are reflecting to those around you.  Is it the light of Jesus's life within? John 1:4 says "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."   

 Are we "LETTING" our light shine or are we hiding it under a basket? We are called to be the light of the world but if we don't shine, how will others see or come to the light?  Phil. 2:15 says "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"   

 We are to stand out in the midst of darkness, but is fear keeping us from moving out from under the basket?  It isn't always easy to step out in the "midst of a crooked and perverse nation."  We may get mocked or persecuted but we are to step out anyways and not retreat.

 Today, I choose to shine. It is easy to step out in our own home or church and shine, where it is "safe" but are we willing to be placed on a hill and shine, even in the midst of mockery and ridicule?