Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matthew 5:15

I can remember as a young child standing on a platform and signing a song based upon this passage. I can remember shouting out the lyrics “Put it under a bushel, No! I’m going to let it shine!” Amazing how a song like that can put such long-term memories in our brains, I must have been three or four. But what a truth! Jesus has given us the light for the world, why should we try to hide it?

Are we scared of persecution? This is of course a valid reason to fear, but we shouldn’t let fear prevent us from doing what God want’s us to do.

Persecution is an enemy the Church has met and mastered many times. Indifference could prove to be a far more dangerous foe.

Brother Andrew, God’s Smuggler

Do we fear the loss of material wealth? Why should we care about stuff! Who wants more stuff, who needs stuff? Can we place our dependence on God that he will provide all our needs. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and we need to trust him.

Money is really worth no more than as it can be used to accomplish the Lord’s work. Life is worth as much as it is spent for the Lord’s service.

George Muller, The Autobiography of George Muller

Do we dare to question the sovereign reign of God, in His control over all things? We are everything to God, and our only purpose is to serve and glorify Him in all we do. He is the one who gives us inspiration, he is the one who builds us up, and we need to trust in Him and His timing, not be perplexed like this fallen world.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot

Lord, Help my light shine for you, help me to be the candle in the darkness.

As a child I yelled that song, It delighted me so much. I must have that same delight today! I must hold that candle up, put it in a candle stick so the whole house can see it’s light.

Picture by unsplash-logoDavid Tomaseti