With a restless passenger secured in the backseat, I belt out children’s Bible songs as we merrily drive down the street. Anything to make the ride pass more quickly, right?! Just as “This Little Light of Mine” leaves my lips, I catch my breath at the imbecile pulling out in front of me and mumble blessings upon his head! “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes! I’m gonna let it shine.” I was stopped in my tracks, not only by the imbecile, but by God Himself. What kind of light was I sharing with my grandson? Did the scowl on my face or the sound of my blessing radiate the light of Jesus? I began wondering how many times a day I go from being “God’s light” to “God’s blackout”!

As a consequence of being enlightened, God’s people themselves are lights (Matthew 5:14; 6:22, 23). Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5; 12:46) but he also says “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Those who have entered the kingdom of God have lamps that shed light, and in the truest sense they are themselves lamps set on a stand—lighted cites on hills—where all may see and be guided by their lights (5:14). They are “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) who walk in love (Ephesians 5:2). [The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible]

To them Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). [Zondervan]

Ouch! Children of light who walk in love promoting good works! So, here’s a good question to ask yourself: What work am I doing on a daily basis that contributes to the Lord’s glory lighting up my corner of the world? Share your answer with Jesus, asking Him to help you burn brightly and not have a burnout!

This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

Light is given to man for a purpose (Ephesians 5:8), and walking in the light is a walk of fellowship with God (1 John 1:6), based upon pardon and cleansing (1 John 1:9). [Zondervan]

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isa. 60:1).