Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 10, 2022
Read Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Good Morning, Rejoice in the Lord Always!
This short passage reminds me of teaching little children to sing “I’m Gonna Let it Shine!” I particularly remember their fervor when singing, or almost shouting, the second verse.
This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine, This little light of mine,
I am going shine let it shine let it shine let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel no, I’m going to let it shine. Hid it under a bushel no,
I’m going to let it shine, let it shine let it shine.
Imagine if we, as adults, could recapture that compassion for letting our light shine.
Many of us love to talk to each other and share things about our lives, but we somehow are less comfortable sharing our faith even with our close friends. How many times have you seen someone who needed comfort and thought you should go speak to that person and been unable to take the first step?
How can we let our light shine for the world to see? For some, actions are easier than words. We see someone in need and we work to provide them with food, clothing, or gas. That is a great start because we must first meet the physical needs of others. It is easy to walk away at that point and feel good that we’ve helped a stranger. Again, that is good!
I am reminded of the woman at the well to whom Jesus offered living water. Can we take the next step after meeting the physical needs of our neighbors and offer them Christ? Oh, that is a big step. We often don’t feel that we have the words necessary to do this. After all, we are still learning and how in the world do I explain the Bible when I still get confused?
We can talk about our church and what great things we do, but we often get nervous when someone asks us about Jesus or God. We don’t have to be theologians or scholars to share Christ with others. Think of Jesus’ earthly ministry! He told simple stories to simple people. He didn’t require a special degree or academic resume from those who followed him. They were ordinary people who chose to follow the light. He also didn’t require us to go and fix ourselves before coming to Him. He accepts us where we are and simply asks us to share His love with all we meet.
Challenge yourself and offer Christ to someone in need. Keep it simple! Jesus loves you! Let the light of Christ shine through you!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You ask much of us! We are scared! What if we are asked something we don’t know? Be with us! Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I can share God’s love through simple conversation.
Let your light shine! Pastor Liz