This Little Light

Driving home from work a few days ago it was completely dark.  Out of nowhere and rather suddenly, there was a big truck driving behind me.  The only reason I paid much attention to this truck was because its headlights were so intense and bright that they were shining onto my mirrors.  This intense light was something I could not miss, even if I wanted to.  This is how it is supposed to be with us as Christians.  We are called to be light in this world and our light should be so bright that others cannot help but notice.  It is when we shine our light that others will see Jesus.

​I remember as a little kid being taught the song “This Little Light of Mine.”  What kid hasn’t sung that song in some type of church setting?  When learning that song, kids are taught that they have a light that they need to share with the world.  As we grow up, the same is true.  We are still called to be a light.  However, as we experience the world around us, there are things that try to extinguish our light.  Other people can try to put out our flames.  Turn on the news or open up social media and it does not take long to see the darkness that exists.  We can easily be consumed and overwhelmed by the violence, hatred, bitterness, and anger that fill our screens on a daily basis.  The world is filled with darkness.  Darkness is simply the absence of light.  As Christians we need to bring the light of Christ to the world around us.

You might think that your little bit of light will not make a difference.  However, that is far from the truth.  Have you ever sat in a completely dark room or space, maybe in church or when the power went out?  As you sit in complete darkness, you light a candle.  That one little flicker of light from the candle makes a big difference.  That one glowing candle that is lit is enough to be able to see.  This is how it is with us.  Just as the candle can light a room that is in darkness and help us see, we as Christians can bring our light and help others see.  It is by our light that others can be guided to Christ, where truth, goodness, and love are found.  All it takes is one small flicker.

We are called to reflect the light of Christ.  Living in the light of Christ is life-giving.  Sharing this light can make all the difference when others’ lights have dimmed.  A question I try to reflect on often is am I allowing Christ to shine through my life?  Am I sharing His light with others?  May we all keep our lights burning so brightly and intensely that others cannot help but notice!