Permission To ShineSample

The Dark Room

Imagine a dark room. Inside the room are children. They are there, huddled in one area, hugging each other because the warmth of each other’s bodies is the only comfort they have. The touch of human skin close by is the only sense of familiarity they possess. The room is terrifying because although their eyes have adjusted to the dark, they can’t see a thing. There is no light. Even shadows need a little light.

But then, you enter the room, and you turn on a flashlight. “Kids,” you say, “it seems like the storm and wind have knocked out the electricity for all the homes in the neighborhood.”

The kids run to you because there is light. But they also run to you because you brought the light. They are thankful for light, but they praise you because you brought the light.

Do you understand this? You are the light. You were created and specially gifted to be light. I know, it feels a little funky. Claiming to be the light almost feels like you are claiming to be god-like. But that’s not the truth. You ARE the light. In fact, Jesus used those very words.

“You are the light of the world...a city set on a hill can not be hidden.”

There it is right there!

But, here’s the great part. Jesus also says, “Let your light SHINE before men so they may see your good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven.”

Translation: They will love the light because it’s necessary. But they will praise the One who brought the light because it is providential.

Don’t hide!