A lamp can’t move itself. Think of a candle. It is carried around in the dark and put where someone needs light to do something. Jesus says we are God’s light. What does that mean?
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5: 14-16
Modern Living
Reading through this section of the Bible at the beginning of the year, I was full of ideas about the future and dreams of the year ahead. In these verses, Jesus says we’re like lamps that are put somewhere to shine. It occurred to me that I spend so much of my time planning and dreaming about the future that I’m simply functioning in the present. The present speeds by as I plan the future.
As modern people, it’s easy to get caught up in planning our next vacation or focusing on the next steps of our goals. It’s easy to breeze through the present.
God’s Light
God put us here for a reason though. His hands put us down where we are now to shine his light through us on those around us. You might know a friend or coworker that needs God’s love now. Maybe you know someone struggling with their faith now that you can help. Perhaps God knows someone who needs to see you reflecting God’s love now so they can remember it when they need it in the future. Maybe now really is a time for you to rest and prepare for God’s next plan for you.
We won’t know God’s plan for us or how he’s using us to spread his love until we die and see him in heaven. Our life now is to trust him and do our best to show God’s light of love through us with the blessings he has given us. Think about how you’ve lived today or yesterday. Are you showing God’s love or are you hiding your faith?
