God’s light in you can make a profound difference in your world and those who see you. Let that light out!

Many years ago, while seven, my slightly older cousin and I detected a fire in the basement of his apartment. The fire department was called and we were tasked with leading the firemen when they arrived, through the alley to the point of the fire. We trembled with excitement over this very grown up and weighty task.

The fire truck came to a stop and four firemen jumped out with equipment in hand. “Follow us” we said, and I took off at a faster pace than my cousin. As I rounded the corner of the alley I looked back and saw no one. My cousin and the fire fighters had cut through a shortcut and I was left leading with no one following!

The truth is, someone is constantly following us through life.

• My sons watched how I treated their mother
• My bosses watched how I handled responsibility
• The driver who inadvertently cut me off waited at the next stoplight to see my response
• The clerk in the grocery store noticed me give her back a ten dollar bill that she accidently gave me with my change
• And God certainly watches me, and not just my behavior. He sees clear into the depth of my being to check out my attitudes and ‘real motivations’ why I do what I do.

Every one of us carries a spiritual seed bag through our lives and we may not like it, but it always has a rip in it! That means we’re sowing when we don’t know it, haven’t planned for it and will be chagrined when we realize what we planted in someone else’s life.

Here’s the challenge – don’t try to get by without being seen or making a mistake. None of us will ever be ‘the perfect example of Jesus.’ But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Notice Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 5:14-16 MSG:

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives.”

Shine believer… shine!