Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
MATTHEW 5:16
Our daughter Catherine is constantly taking our emergency flashlights from the drawer and carrying them around with her. When she first discovered them, she would walk around all day with a flashlight by her side, shining it everywhere. I tried to explain to her that flashlights are really not of great use during the day. After all, how much can you illuminate a room that is already well lit? But you know how kids are — most of their fun is had in discovering new things.
I remember the first time Catie “got” how a flashlight is really supposed to be used. As Nick and I were putting her to bed one night, we turned off all the lights so that it was pitch black in her room. The look on her face was priceless when Nick turned on the flashlight and she realized how brightly it beamed in the dark. We thought this demonstration would alleviate Catherine’s need to tote around the light throughout the day. However, it had the opposite effect! We had unwittingly made it a challenge for her to find the darkest places she could to light a path for all her toys.
For the next two weeks, my afternoons were spent in the dark as Catherine took my hand and guided me through the maze of furniture. Just the thought of me hurting myself in the dark deeply concerned her, as was evidenced by her shining the flashlight meticulously in every possible corner. She was so proud that her little light allowed her to bring me to a place of safety.
This is a perfect illustration of how we as Christians have the privilege to walk in his light and experience the life that is illuminated by his Word. We then have the privilege of sharing that light with the whole world.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
In what ways are you letting your light shine before those in your immediate world — your home, community, and workplace?