“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
I’ve read this scripture many times over the years. It’s pretty popular. In my mind, I always pictured someone…me…holding a flashlight. Then, my brain would envision those guys at airports who use light in their hands to guide the enormous planes to safety. Small, yet powerful, beams of light pointing the way.
That’s not my picture anymore.
Now I see fire!
Fire has the power to do things that flashlights just can’t. If my good deeds have the power to point people to Christ, I’d say that’s pretty powerful.
Fire brings warmth…we can be inviting and welcoming
Fire is full of colors…our good deeds won’t all look the same, different passions=diverse interests=endless possibilities
Fire can be used to direct…good deeds can point people in the right direction, lingering effects of our actions can ripple out into eternity
Fire has an unmistakable sound…our actions and voice are unique to who we are, no one else has our gifts, our interests or our stories
Fire draws out what has been in the darkness…we can peek others’ curiosity, get people moving
Fire melts away dross…our good deeds can help others peel away the layers that have them bound up and stuck
Let’s be warm and inviting. Let’s actively share God’s goodness with others. Make a little noise. Cause others to take note and be curious. Give direction to those who have stumbled off the path that has been set out for them.
I love how The Message translation of the bible speaks Matthew 5 verses 14-16…
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
You are here to bring out the God colors in the world. To be generous. To open up to others.
Your actions have the power to prompt people to open up to God. Your good deeds can be used to cause others to glorify God. He wants to use your life to point others to him.
Do.
Good
Deeds.
Do them.
He has put you on a light stand. Given you a place to stretch, flicker, crackle and shine. Not for ourselves, but for him.
How will others know how we have peace in times of loss if we don’t build a fire and invite them to come and hear our stories? How will they know what kept us going while raising strong-willed teenagers…or what’s the secret to a long, happy marriage?
I have found that people are hungry to hear our stories. Not just the good stuff we post on social media, but the real life challenges and triumphs we all share. For those of us who have placed our hope and faith in God, we must lay ourselves open. We are called to brag openly on him through word and deed.
While preparing to write this post, I kept singing this song…
We all know it. It’s simple. It’s a call to a lifestyle of being the light in an otherwise dark world.
Let’s throw some wood on our fires. Stoke the ashes. Create some sparks.
Let’s open our homes. Give to those in need. Be proactive. Make a difference. In so doing, others will be more open to God. We will cause others to look to him. We will cause others to look for him. And friends, we will be blessed.
Friends new and old, thank you for reading and sharing these posts! I have been so encouraged by your texts and personal comments. Most of you head over here to read when you see I’ve posted a new title on fb or Instagram. Some of you have expressed that you don’t always know when I’m posting because fb isn’t always reliable (go figure). On the home page of this site, you’ll find a form to drop your name and email address in. Fill that out and you’ll begin receiving these as soon as they’re posted. Problem solved.
This blog is a place for me to shine a light. I hope that you are throwing a little gas on your own fires today. I’d love to hear how you are reaching out to others and would be honored to pray for you in your endeavors, we’re in this together! God bless!
Simple Faith 
