“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” 

The words of this children’s gospel song, written in 1920 by Avis Burgeson Christiansen, are simple and their message far reaching. What child hasn’t sung it? What adult doesn’t remember it?

But the more important question: do we hold true to its mission?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

Matthew 5:16, KJV

Carry the Light

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

Psalm 119:105, KJV

The rain made it extremely difficult for me to see the dark and narrow two-lane road ahead. As I neared the intersection, a large semi-truck pulled onto the road in front of me. Normally, I don’t like to get behind a truck; it blocks my vision and slows me down. However, that night I was grateful. As the truck rounded every curve along the route, its taillights served as beacons in the darkness. The truck took the guesswork out of my journey, and my trek home was much easier. I simply had to follow.

Wherever Jesus went, crowds formed. People followed Him for various reasons: some sought His healing touch―others showed up to mock Him. Many arrived to hear Him teach―some moved in to trap Him. A number were simply curious―while others aligned themselves as His disciples when He said, “Come and follow me.”

Today, His invitation remains the same. Some people follow Him, but for many following is hard. They prefer to be out front blazing their own trail, casting their own vision, setting their own pace. We’re called to be light-bearers, but if we’re not following the Light ourselves, it’s impossible to lead the way for others. “Can a blind man lead a blind man?” Jesus asked. “Will they not both fall into the pit?”

(Luke 6:39, NIV).

A man traveled down a dark and lonely road one foggy night. After walking for some time without seeing a soul, he saw a light coming toward him in a zigzag fashion. As it got closer, he made out the shadowy figure of a man feeling his way through the darkness with a white cane. He staggered from one side of the road to the other. When the blind man reached his side, the traveler said, “Tell me why a blind man carries a light.” The man said, “I carry the light so that I won’t cause someone else to stumble in the darkness.”

The darkness of this world often restricts our vision, but God has given us everything we need to navigate life and share the Truth of the gospel. He’s given us a roadmap―His Word, and a light to illumine our path―His Holy Spirit. The Spirit serves as a beacon that illumines every bend in the road. He takes the guesswork out of our journey. We simply need to follow.

Do you carry the Light of Christ so that no one will stumble?

Jesus declared, “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand―shine!

(Matthew 5:14-16, MSG).

Let it shine!

Until next time,

Starr