Let the Light Shine
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Skid Row in Los Angeles is where police officer Deon serves. The area is filled with violence, drugs, and so much crime. It can be especially tough when people dislike Deon because they assume he is working against them. But Deon wants to show that he is working for the community. He realizes despite their mistakes, they are each a person with a name, created by God. Deon shares God’s love with them as God has shared it with him. This community has brokenness and a lack of hope. Notice how Officer Deon serves as a light in this community; sharing God’s love, mercy, and compassion. Many know him by his first name, and many respect him. It is a community, to which Deon intends to bring hope.
Christ tells us we are the light of the world. But what happens if we refuse to shine? What would happen if Deon decided not to share God’s love with the people in Skid Row? The community would probably be a lot worse off. Deon is able to help improve the area, as well as plant the seeds of faith. We too need to let our light shine where ever we are. If we do not let our light shine, then we are not showing our good works, which point to Christ. As Christians we have been chosen to be the ambassadors of Christ. What are ways you can be the light of the world? For Deon it is doing his job, serving the community. For us it is within any of our many vocations, our job, our family role, the involvement we have at church. Wherever we go, the store, school, the park, the neighbors’, we need to shine our light because that light points to Christ. We need to set aside the mistakes we all make, and shine God’s love, mercy, and compassion on the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to shine Your love, mercy, grace, and compassion to the world. May our good works always point to You. Amen