Okay, so it isn't exactly our road. We actually live off a side street. But since our side street was at the far end of the main road leading into the university, we were all thrilled when we saw the sidewalk being built on the main road. Now, if we needed to, we could walk all the way to the university, or even the main part of town.
Our town officials were so thoughtful they built even more than just the sidewalk; they installed street lights! While we liked the sidewalk, we were thrilled about the street lights. If we were ever out late and had to walk home, we wouldn't have to worry at all about bringing flashlights!
Well, that was several months ago. Our town still hasn't activated the streetlights. People walk on the sidewalk, but they surely aren't being helped by the street lights. Sure, I know that our town may still turn on the street lights; but to me at least, it's been a loooong time with the lights installed, but not functioning. They have almost become like a local laughingstock!
I go by the sidewalk and not functioning lights almost every day. Every time, I seem to remember the lights and how they still aren't working. Sometimes, I wonder if it's the same way with our spiritual lives. Sure, we say we're Christ's followers and that we spread His light, but do we really? At times I wonder. We look like the lights along our town's new sidewalk; fully capable of helping people, but not actually doing it.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus talks about this "light shining" principle:
"You are the light of the world...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."
I would highly encourage you to take stock of how you can be a light and share God throughout this coming week. Now this doesn't have to be guiding someone through a Bible study; though that would certainly be acceptable. How about giving someone a smile, or opening the door for them? You can never know how much little things may mean to a person.
This week, don't just be a light with its lights turned off. Turn your lights on, and shine for Jesus!
Good point!
ReplyDelete