Some centuries ago a nobleman decided to build a church for the people of the surrounding area. On the day of the dedication everyone was awed by the splendor of the architecture and design. But then someone noticed that an important element had been overlooked. There were no lampstands to light the interior of the church. “What will light the church?” they asked.
He then gave each family a lamp and explained, “This is just a building. You are the true lights and when you are not here, there will be a place that remains in darkness.”
That truth applies to the church but even more to the world around us. “You are the light of the world.” When your light is missing in your neighborhood, your workplace, or your community darkness is able to invade.
It’s easy to think, “My tiny light doesn’t make a difference. There are so many superstars out there that shine so brilliantly that I’m not even noticed or needed.”
In another village, the council met to discuss a problem. It was dangerous to go out at night because there were no lights on the city streets. Citizens had come up with two solutions.
The first group proposed placing one huge light in the central square to light the entire town. The second group suggested placing a small light on each corner of each neighborhood and outside each home.
Of course, the council decided that, while a bright light might be more impressive, many smaller lamps lighting each area where they were strategically placed was a much better way to light the entire city.
You have been strategically placed where the Lord wants you to provide light. When each of us shines our small light into our corner then the entire world becomes brighter.
Your light may be tiny but I guarantee there is someone in your world, the world where the Lord has strategically placed you, that desperately needs some light, some hope, some encouragement. Reach out to them. Shine where you are. Someone needs you.
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Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay
Village church story from June Masters Bacher, Women’s Devotional Bible