This little light of mine
A long time ago, I heard a story about a woman caught in an elevator in New York City during a power failure. She just happened to have a tiny torch attached to her car keys. There were seven people–all strangers– in the elevator; and at first, in that pitch-black darkness, there was momentary panic as everybody talked at once. When she remembered the torch in her handbag and turned it on, the fear dissipated.
During the forty-five minutes they were stuck shoulder-to-shoulder in that small space, they became pretty good friends, laughing, telling jokes and even singing. The storyteller made the woman’s experience sound more fun than fearsome. Today, our smart phones would have saved us with their built in flashlight.
Ephesians 5:8 says we are that flashlight. ‘For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord…’ Matthew 5:14 says, ‘You are the light of the world …’
It doesn’t say we are like light, it says we are light.
What does light do?
As light we dissipate fear, bring relief and lift spirits. Just as the torch draws power from its battery, we draw power from the Son of God. We have the same resurrection power in us through the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from death to life.
Traditionally, we dedicate the month of May to focus on missionary work abroad and at home. Your church may be supporting one or more of these missions, and you personally may be supporting a particular project or person(s). This is good, right and necessary for the gospel to be delivered to the least reached people groups in our world.
But do you consider yourself a missionary too?
You are, and so am I. We are light to our families, friends, colleagues and acquaintances who are living in spiritual darkness. By just being who we are, we touch their souls with love, care, comfort, compassion, discernment, encouragement, direction and hope.
Do not underestimate each encounter you have with another human being. You are illuminating truth with your words and actions.
Let your light shine bright.