Shine

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJ)

They were on the way home – going out the door of the hospital – from visiting a member of our church. The two ladies talked about the visit, the weather, and the coupons they would need for their next visit to the Belk Store. Suddenly there she was. A young woman with a pierced tongue and cigarettes approached them. “I know you don’t know me and I don’t know you,” she slurred. “I don’t want money. My baby is sick and I just want you to pray for him.”

Despite the public place, these two Christian mothers stopped and prayed with this young, disturbed mother. They didn’t know her name. They didn’t know the situation. They only knew the need as expressed by this concerned mother. So they did what they could for her. They prayed.

What an example of Christ's love in both speech and behavior! It is a prime examples of active faith that goes beyond mere words. Something about these two godly ladies radiated out and touched this hurting mother. No visitor card handed out. No name or address exchanged. Simply, letting the light shine - not hiding it under a basket – like Christ said to do.

And the young mother went back into the hospital, glorifying God because she had met two ladies who never allowed her appearance to hide the light of Christ in them. I have often thought of this situation and that young woman. What about her child? Only God knows, but his light shone and where he shines darkness cannot exist.

Dear Father, thank you for the light and life we have through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Enable us to let our life shine before all those we meet each day. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Shine for Christ today,