Dear Faith Family, 

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 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). 

My sweet wife gave sixteen solar lights to me for Christmas.  Around the fire pit area in our backyard they are now neatly tucked in.  Anxiously we awaited the night after they were charged, looking forward to a well-lit fire pit.  It’s been weeks!  On a good night you can almost see that the lights are illuminated.  Brilliant?  Not so much.  Disappointing?  For sure! 

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world.  Our good works ought to shine in this dark world.  You know, letting someone else go first.  Speaking kind words.  Not jumping on the grumpy griping train.  Extending a smile.  Even saying hello to our neighbors.  Maybe even an apology? 

Question: are we brilliant, barely illuminated, or somewhere in between?  I know, you have other questions, right?  Like, did we return the lights?  Do we have the lights strategically placed so that they are receiving enough sunlight?  I’m glad you asked. 

At the end of Matthew 5:16, Jesus made an interesting statement.  If we are shining our light and others are seeing our good works, why would people give glory to our Father?  Why not give glory to the lights? 

Jesus rightly understood that our ability to shine the light is completely dependent upon our exposure to the One who is the light, (John 8:12).  When we shine, God gets the glory simply because we are but a reflection of Him, His light. 

The lights around our fire pit are underexposed.  They need to be repositioned so as to gain exposure to the sun.  What about you?  Do you need a strategic repositioning?  Are you getting enough exposure to the Son?  Your good works or lack thereof can answer that question.  Do you want to shine brightly today?  Set up a chair free from the shelter of distraction and soak up the Son. 

Soaking up the Son, 
Pastor Karl