Light in the Darkness
We don’t have to look far to see darkness in our world today. There is chaos on multiple issues. 2020 is holding nothing back as each day seems to present bad news on top of bad news. At this time, people need answers. They need a light in the darkness that surrounds them.
Matthew 5:14-16
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.
In these verses, Jesus tells us that we can give light to the world’s darkness. When we show our good deeds by serving others and refuse to let our faith be private, we make a difference by pointing to Jesus, the answer the world needs.
When we let our lights shine by serving others, we feel good because we see people’s immediate needs being met, but feeling good about ourselves and meeting others’ immediate needs isn’t the reason we serve. The reason we serve others and let our light shine is found in the “so that” of verse 16.
Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
We feed the hungry, care for the sick, encourage the tired, and serve in several others ways so that everyone will praise God.
Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year. Tomorrow is Serve Day.
A one-day event that provides an opportunity for all of us to go into our communities and love our neighbors. Together on Serve Day, our church can shine and be a light that points to the love of Jesus.
We do this by taking on practical projects to help others! By identifying the needs in our neighborhoods and cities and working together to take steps in meeting these needs. Through these acts of service, we hope people’s hearts will be opened to the love of Jesus.
Obviously, serving others goes beyond Serve Day. The call to let our light shine is a call to live our lives in a way that points others to Jesus. It is a call to you as an individual and a collective call to our Church. When it comes to presenting the answer of Jesus to the world, you and I are God’s plan. Let’s shine brightly tomorrow in our city and in the days ahead.
Questions:
Do you see yourself as someone who brings light to dark situations?
Do you believe that your good deeds can point others to Jesus? Why or why not?
How can you let your light shine this week?
NextSteps:
Let your light shine by participating in Serve Day. If you are in a Group, join your Group’s Serve Day Project. You can also serve on your own or with your family by signing up to complete one of the “Do it yourself” projects found on the Serve Day Directory.
As the year moves on, ask yourself these questions to identify ways to serve those around you:
- Who in your neighborhood has a need?
- What business or organization within your sphere of influence could use a blessing?
- What are some areas you’re passionate about?
- How can you use your skills and abilities to serve others?
- What resources do we have access to offer others?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father. You are the light. You provide answers in the darkness. I praise you, and thank you for giving hope in every situation. Thank you for making us part of your plan to share that hope with others. I pray that tomorrow, as we serve our communities on Serve Day, our good deeds will shine out for everyone to see so that everyone will praise you. I love you and pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This post was written by Ben Bockert. Ben is a proud husband and father of three beautiful daughters. He is honored to serve as the Director of the LivingItOut Bible Study.
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