Light
“This little light of mine…”If you grew up in church, you can probably finish the lyric. If you missed the songs in children’s church, don’t worry. “Big church” also talked a lot about the light chasing out the darkness.It’s with very good and sound biblical reason that we talk about light in the context of our faith. Even the Son of God says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We live in a world full of darkness and as Christians, we have an enormous opportunity and responsibility to help introduce people to the Light of the World.But that light is not what convicted me as I walked my four-legged Mo this morning. I don’t usually text people before 8am. I don’t want to face the world before that time and so I try to give others the same courtesy. But I picked up my phone and saw an unanswered text from someone who I knew was an early riser, and so I sent a reply without thinking. Then it occurred to me that my pushing “send” might start texts coming my way on my Sabbath. Quickly, the thought came, “Oh, no worries. She’s always so upbeat and a pleasure to hear from.”Then conviction came. Do I come across that way? Do people see a text from me (or notice me walk in the room) and see someone who’s bringing energy and light… or someone who’s heavy?Now, don’t get distracted and think, “Well, I’m an introvert…” I’m not talking about being someone besides who God made you. My son lights up a room. He brings energy and fun. That will never be me. But there’s a huge difference between someone who carries around a boulder versus a breath of fresh air.Which do you carry around?
I’m “boulder” guilty... especially throughout the last couple of months.The more I thought about this particular person I texted, the more I realized that the choice of being the kind of light that is life became more evident to me. This person has had COVID, has had family members severely impacted by COVID, job loss, and all the burdens that could easily justify the boulder. Yet she keeps following the Lord’s instructions from Matthew 11:28-30.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Lord fully understands that there are things in this world that cause our flesh to be heavy laden… but He provided a remedy. He doesn’t intend for us to walk around heavy.
This isn’t a guilt trip that we’re being bad witnesses. None of us need that. Rather, it was a wake-up call to me that my unwillingness to bring my burden to Him keeps me from feeling light… and often keeps people from seeing His light. Who wants to follow Jesus if it means you’re stressed like me?!!I challenge you to examine what you’re carrying. If it’s a boulder, then join me as I put mine down and go for His yoke.