Keep Showing Up ✨

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Anytime I read this verse, I am taken back in time, right back to Sunday School, when my aunt, who was the Sunday School teacher, would make us sing, "This Little Light of Mine." I didn't realize until here recently just how important those songs I was taught in Sunday School are. Yes, they are silly and super catchy, but the meaning behind the words is so much deeper than my five-year-old brain could comprehend. My 23-year-old brain, on the other hand, is finally starting to understand just how important those early years in my childhood were to my faith now.

The song goes:

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Won't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, no! I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine 'til Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."

Now, like I said, super cheesy but very catchy. But if we take a second to just read the lyrics, not sing them, but actually read the song and think about the lyrics, we will see exactly how important and relevant this song is.

Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are now a light of His love and devotion to us as believers. Because of this, Satan and the things of this world are going to try to steal the light that we are. Satan plans to steal, kill and destroy. Simple as that. It is our job as believers and followers of Christ to spread the love of Jesus and be a light in this dark world. We are called to be the reason someone else sees Jesus. And we do that by continually showing up.

Every place you go is a mission field. Whether it be as simple as showing up to work or actually going on a mission to witness to people. At the table, in the office, at the checkout, in the hallways, on the sidelines, at the playground, each place is an opportunity to point someone back to Jesus.

Sometimes sharing our faith can be as easy as showing kindness at work or going out of your way to do something kind to someone who maybe wasn't the nicest to you. Sometimes it is calling to check in on a neighbor when you haven't seen them around in a while, or inviting an old friend to lunch or for coffee just to check in on them.

Matthew 5:14-16 is a reminder that we are called to be the light of the world, not just on the good days, but on the hard days as well. It is showing up on a random Tuesday, or even when you have to run an errand you've done a hundred times. It is showing up with a smile on your face and the joy of the Lord in your heart to the places that feel routine. Each day is a new day that God can use you to bring someone to know Him, even if it is in the checkout line at the grocery store. All you have to do is let your light shine and keep showing up, and God will use you right where you are.

Quiet Time Questions 💬

• Who first helped point you to Jesus? How has their faith impacted your walk with Christ today?
• Think about the places you regularly go each week. Which one do you find the hardest to intentionally reflect Jesus? Why?
• Spend a few moments in prayer asking God to open your eyes to one person this week who needs to experience His love through you. How will you respond if He gives you that opportunity?
• Is there someone God has been placing on your heart to encourage, check in on, or invite to coffee? What's one step you can take today?