Do you use a night light to illuminate a path of darkness?
Just a little light can brighten a large area and ease concern.
It doesn’t matter what age we are, total darkness can be intimidating in one way or another.
In the darkness of the world, Jesus is the light (John 8:12)! He exposes what we cannot see and his light leads us to himself, the source. As believers, we are called children of the light. Ephesians 5:8 tells us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (NIV).
Did you grow up singing “This Little Light of Mine” at church?
“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine… All around the neighborhood I’m going to let it shine… Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine… Don’t let Satan blow it out! I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, all the time, let it shine!”
Those lyrics are one version of the song that became popular with children and adults. “This Little Light of Mine” was mentioned and sung in various places as early as the 1920s to the 1940s and it had lines added to suit various occasions. Having not been copyrighted, the song was finally attributed to composer and teacher Harry Dixon Loes in 1940.
The song is based on the teaching of Jesus. Found in the beatitudes following Jesus’ discourse on who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, we read “… 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 ESV, letter L in Keep on Track Volume 2).
As children of light, we are to live in order to please the Lord.
Ephesians 5:9 tells us that “the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (NIV).
Sometimes the light exposes what we don’t like to see – our sin. However, as Christ followers, we should desire his ways and welcome the Holy Spirit’s exposure of our sin so that we can turn from it.
As we study God’s truths, may we proclaim, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ESV).
Do we let Christ’s light shine all around the neighborhood? Are we a witness for Jesus? (1 Peter 3:15)
Do we hide it under a bushel? Hopefully not! May we not be ashamed of the gospel. (Romans 1:16)
Don’t let Satan blow it out! Submit to God and resist the devil. (James 4:7)
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine! Live out God’s truths with joy! (Philippians 2:15b-16a)
Get daily practice with learning God’s truths and shining for his glory as you work through a Keep on Track book!