.png)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13
Have you ever heard someone say: “I would be a Christian, but the main thing keeping me from Jesus is Christians.” That stings a bit, doesn’t it? Deep down, we know there’s some truth to it. We can be a stumbling block when we are quick to judge, act self-righteously, or fail to listen. Instead of being a beacon of light that helps draw people to Christ Jesus, we end up doing the opposite.
As Christians, it’s our job to shine a light on God’s truth, on love, and on grace through our words and actions. It isn’t always about saying the right thing — it’s about living in a way that others can’t help but notice something different about us.
But here’s where it gets personal. Jesus warns us that our light is visible to everyone, which means people are watching. It’s not a question of whether or not we’re being seen — we are, even when we don’t think so.
The real question is, what kind of light are we shining? Stop and think about it – what do people see when they look at you?
That’s a sobering thought. We’ve all had moments where our words and actions have caused someone to take a step back from following Jesus. But what can we do? We’re all sinners, we all fall short, and in the end, even the best “light”we shine is clouded by our sins. Is God just setting us up to fail only to leave us feeling guilty forever?
The answer is “no.” God knows we aren’t perfect, but He still calls us to be light. How can this be? Could it be that being perfect isn’t the answer? Rather, being light is admitting that we aren’t perfect, that we need God, and it is God who has come to save us.
In 1 John 2:5-8, we have some help to understand how that works:
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Here we discover that the light doesn’t depend on us – it is God working in and through us. God is the light, and we are invited to come join him, step out of the darkness and walk in the light – sins, blemishes, warts, and all.
So, let’s make a difference, one small act of love at a time. May our lives reflect the goodness of God in a way that brings glory to Him. Together, we can illuminate the world, one heart at a time.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Remember to join us this Sunday for worship and a delicious lunch in the Fellowship Hall.
- We are welcoming our former interim pastor, Carsten “Judd” and his wife, Theresa Ludder, as our special guests next Sunday as a part of our Centennial Celebrations this year.
- Are you looking for a church home, or do you know someone who might be? Please contact the office or talk to one of the pastors for more information.
- First Evangelical’s Church Council will meet after worship this Sunday in theFellowship Hall.
- Holy Cross’ Church Council will meet after worship this Sunday in the Sanctuary; the Annual Congregational meeting will be after worship on Sunday, February 15th.
- Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, for the imposition of ashes. Drop by from noon to 1:00 or 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a brief prayer and ashes. Beginning February 25th, we will have a study on the "Miracles of Jesus." Come at 6:30 for a soup supper, and the study begins at 7:00 pm. In the Fellowship Hall.
