You’ve probably heard the story of a little boy sitting in a church and asking his mom who were the people in the stained glass windows. She told him that they were saints. And after awhile the boy responded “Oh, I know who the saints are. They’re the ones that let the light in.” Exactly. The saints are the ones that let the Light in. Just like Jesus told us:

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, MSG)

We are indeed to be light in the world.
We are indeed to bring out the God-colors in the world.
We are indeed to reflect God’s light into darkness.

But how bright are we really shining?

Do we keep our windows clean so the light can get in?
Do we keep God’s light as a secret?
Do we use curtains to keep the light just for ourselves?
Do we think we’d get less light if we shared?

Or could we be as generous as our Father in heaven?

Because the more we share grace, the more grace there is.
The more light we reflect, the more light there is.
And, also, the more we shine, the shinier we become.

Katherine Walden shares this story “In my teens, I was approached by a total stranger on a crowded city street. She said. “You are Kae Cameron’s daughter, I’d recognize her face any where!” And she was right. How I long for the day when people look at my life and say. “Oh, you must be a daughter of the Heavenly Father, I recognize His face anywhere!”

Our light is not supposed to be such a small light that no one sees it or recognizes it. Our light is to be so bright that everyone sees it and recognizes that we serve a Living God. How are we able to do that?

By washing our windows daily by grace.
By getting rid of anything that blocks the light from shining.
By living close to the Source of Light.

That’s when we are shining as bright as we can.
That’s when we are bringing out all the God-colors in the world.
That’s when we are truly blessed.

 

Gracious God,
Wash our souls with your grace.
Don’t let us ever leave your embrace.
Make us holy as you are holy.
May we always reflect your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How bright are you shining?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you bring out all the God-colors in the world! Keep shining!

Image courtesy of stocksphotosforfree.com. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursdays and  Faith Filled Friday.