Verse of the Day 1/7

 

Matthew 5:16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. English Standard Version (ESV)

 

In the preceding verses Jesus tells His hearers, then and today, that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  Both things indicate that we are to have an impact to have a positive influence on the world around us.  We are not to be "secret agent" Christians.  We are called to "let it shine".

 

The verses always bring me back to one of the first songs that children in my generation were taught, perhaps still some are today, "This Little Light of Mine", I'm gonna let it shine.  We may not have the power of a searchlight, a high beam headlight or even a powerful flashlight.  But no matter how small that we perceive our own light to be, it can have an impact if we let is shine in a dark world.

 

There are several stanzas to the simple song.  Some of the additional lines were "let it shine 'till Jesus comes", let is shine over Schiller Park (my hometown and as I learned the song), and don't let Satan poof it out.   They are all reminders today that we are to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine in our hearts, in our actions and in our world today.

 

As is said in The Message (below) "You're here to be a light", let us make every effort to be one and to do our best to bring out the "God-colors in the world".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 5:16

The Message (MSG)

^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.