The Lesson in This Little Light of Mine

 

Today I sang my silliest ever rendition of "this little light of mine" to my grumpy, fussing child as we worked together to unload and re-load the dishwasher. 

I hollered "no!" at the top of my lungs that I wouldn't let Satan blow it out, and was met with smiles and giggles... but there was much more of the lesson to come. 

I explained as we finished our chore that when we serve others, or take care of the responsibilities and blessings that God has given us, our lights are shining for God. 

What does that mean? 

The Bible tells us that God is light, in him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). He is the Light of the world. (John 8:12)

When we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). When we are saved, we receive the gift of the holy spirit. (Romans 8)

God's light is in us, shining for others to see and guiding us on our way. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) 

Did you catch that? 

"So they may see your good works"

💥NOT TO EARN YOUR SPOT IN HEAVEN. 

💥NOT FOR YOU TO GET ATTENTION OR REWARD. 

💥NOT TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH

⭐️ But so that GOD may be glorified. ⭐️

They see your light shining, and it points them to God. 

That's the great commission after all, right? As believers, we are ALL called to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)

This is why we let our little lights shine. Not to show off or prove ourselves, not to earn a spot in heaven (spoiler alert: that's not possible, none of us are worthy). We shine our lights because God has changed us and is working in our lives. He has brought to life what should be dead. He has given us life. Our light isn't a spotlight on ourselves, it's an arrow pointing to our savior. 

It's an invitation for others to see what he has done, and what he can do for them, too. 

If Satan is trying to blow out your light this morning, remind him where your help comes from 🥰