I grew up going to church from a young age. As a little kid we used to sing this old song. Perhaps you know it. It goes like this:
“This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel. No! I’m gonna let it shine.”
Like most songs I sang as a kid I had no idea what this song was about. First off, what the heck is a bushel? I actually thought the word was bush which was weird because I kept imagining sticking a candle in a bush and watching the whole thing burst into flames…which of course would have been awesome.
Mostly, I just enjoyed shouting “NO! I’m gonna let it shine!” as loudly as I could. All little kids love shouting “NO!”
I learned much later that this goofy old song actually has roots in the Bible and coincidentally has nothing to do with setting stuff on fire. The words actually come from Jesus. In what scholars call the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said these words to his followers:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
YOU ARE THE LIGHT
Jesus often referred to Himself as the light of the world, which makes sense because He is the Messiah. Through Him is forgiveness and life and peace with God. He is the hope of the world.
But here, Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world. Essentially, he’s saying to you and me—you are the light of the world. Wait what? How does this work? Because I don’t know about you but I don’t often feel like a light.
According to Jesus, I do have something to offer. You do too. Why? Because we have a relationship with the Savior. We know the Messiah. The truth is that you’ve experienced Jesus in ways no one else has. Jesus has shown up in your life in ways that He hasn’t shown up in mine.
The way you’ve experienced Jesus is something no one else knows—unless you talk about it. You see, talking about Jesus and what He has done for you is a way of being a light.
WE NEED EACH OTHER
The truth is, we need each other. We were not meant to pursue Jesus alone. Community is crucial.
Recently, I realized that every significant decision in my life—every significant moment of spiritual growth, came out of a conversation.
- I learned that God loves me and wants to rescue me because someone told me
- I stopped manipulating girls in dating relationships because a friend explained to me the damage I was doing and how to stop it.
- I pursued student ministry because someone told me that I could be a good youth pastor.
All the significant growth moments of my life began with a conversation.
I understand what Jesus was talking about with this whole “light and city on a hill” thing because I’ve experienced it—I’ve seen how it works in my life. The words of God’s people can be a light to the people around them.
HEARING LIGHT
So, who is speaking light into your life? Are you hearing more light or darkness from your friends? Are there Jesus followers who you could become closer with? We all need to hear some light.
The times in my life when I have struggled the most are the times in which I didn’t have friends and mentors speaking light into my life. The times I was too lazy or stubborn to pursue community were the times I drifted away from God.
Who is speaking light into your life?
SPEAKING LIGHT
My second question is this: who are you speaking light to? Going back to Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount.
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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
You have something meaningful and special. Share it! Don’t hide it! The truth is, the world needs you. You have something that no one can argue with. It’s your experience with Jesus. The ways He has brought life, healing and purpose to your life is something we need to hear about.
We weren’t meant to pursue Jesus alone. It’s impossible. We need each other. The Jesus community is not as strong as it should be without you speaking up. We need to hear your story. We need to hear your encouragement. We need you to challenge us.
Shine your light. The world needs you. We need you.
image credited to nuwandalice
