"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Matthew 5:14-16

 April 5

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

Mother Theresa once reminded us, "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." As a person who took the words of Christ in Matthew 5 literally, she eventually attained sainthood after devoting her life to being a healing light to thousands of starving poor people in India. Her light was indeed like a city on a hilltop. No one can hide the light of a city that is sitting on top of a mountain. Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Christ, we too will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. Yet many of us often hide our light without even knowing it in various ways such as:

(1) Remaining silent when we should speak,

(2) Going along with the crowd,

(3) Speaking when we should remain silent,

(4) Letting wrong actions diminish our light,

(5) Not sharing our light of love with others

(6) Ignoring the hurts or needs of those around us.

Be a beacon of truth today. Don't shut your light off from the rest of the world. If a lamp doesn't help people see, it is useless. Does your life show other people how to find God? If not, ask what "boxes" or "baskets" have extinguished your light? Fear, complacency, resentment, apathy, or a desire for acceptance can all become baskets that hide our light if we allow them to control us. Do some "Spring Cleaning" today and throw out those old baskets that are not needed anymore as you walk free in the light of God's love. Let God's light shine through you to others. YOU are the hope of the world!

Prayer: Lord, May the light of Jesus love and compassion shine through me today to others who are hurting. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: God's light is stronger than darkness.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)