“Here’s another way to put it: 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. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open
up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
I love the way the Message bible puts this scripture. Keep open house - be generous with your lives. As servants of Christ, we are most fruitful when we are light in every area. All too often we are only light around other light. Sundays is like a laser show with all the light pinging off of one another at churches all over the world. Today is Monday, is there light where you are right now, or are you it? Do we always see ourselves as this "bringing out the God-colors" where we go? I must admit I don't. Sometimes, I even shrink from "trying to shine" because I really don't want to bothered. Shame on me...
When I read this scripture today, it brought up three different instances to mind. One where I know that's why I was in a certain place to have a conversation with someone completely unsolicited and unplanned that lead to them coming back to Christ. Another where I was the one in the dark place and needed a friend who encouraged me back into a lit room. Finally, my mind went to a time, recently, where I was not willing to step out of my comfort zone and say something that I know might have made a difference with someone. I know his grace is sufficient, but I don't always want to be pulling on that, especially in these areas where I know better.
This week let us be intentional about this SONshine on the inside of us. Let us share his love in a tangible way. Let us move from the thing that is comfortable into the thing that stretches us. Let us KEEP OPEN HOUSE with our lives this week. Love on someone for no reason. Call someone just because. Actively listen in the conversations you are having and listen for the broken pieces so you can help mend them. By doing so we will as the word says "prompt people to open up with God", starting with us! This is what I heard today...be blessed and be a blessing always....
