Do Not Hide the Light Under a Bushel

Matthew 5:15
“nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such away that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
The last time we were in Matthew we spoke of how Jesus calls us the light of the world. Amazing. Us who were sinners, we are now the light of the world. We are light as in the moon is light. It’s just a reflection of the sun. So we are reflections of Jesus.
Today’s verse says we must let our light shine before others. It’s not to be hidden. Here’s what it’s not. Matthew 6:1 says, “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” This one wants to be seen and get recognition. That’s not what Jesus means. Our attitude must be one that wants God to get the credit and our motive is one that wants to bless others. We don’t blow a trumpet and say look at me.
Casting Crowns has a song, Only Jesus which has a chorus that goes like this: “And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy. I don’t care if they remember me. Only Jesus. And I, I’ve only got one life to live. I’ll let every second point to Him. Only Jesus.” That’s it.
This chorus spoke to me a few years ago. I was at a coworkers retirement party. He was a beloved coach who gave of himself throughout his career. As I was driving home I thought, “I want that.” But it was for the wrong reason. I wanted the party in which people said good things about me. This song changed my thinking.
We are to shine our lights to bless others and to glorify God. We don’t care if others see us doing good deeds. We don’t seek the spotlight, but we don’t run from it if God puts us there.
We probably don’t know what resonates with people. God opens their eyes by something. They were encouraged or challenged. Most of the time they would never say something. Sometimes they will. God does His heart work on others in His time.
Jesus refers to not putting the light under a bushel. That’s not what the light is for. It’s to be there to illuminate things. He is referring to those who are ashamed of Him. We all may feel that shame on occasion. We aren’t to succumb to it. Just do it. Who cares who sees and what they may say. He says a few verses earlier that we are blessed if we are persecuted for His sake. This may occur.
His light does many things. It reveals things that were hidden. It can reveal sin. This is uncomfortable. It could lead to conviction of sin. The light also reveals the way. He is the way maker. It encourages others to follow Him.
His light is beautiful. Like lights on a tree or in a garden. It enhances. This light He shines through us is beautiful. Instead of being selfish, He makes us loving and kind.
He is the light source. He lights up the world. All of the beautiful light in nature, manufactured light, light in paintings. It’s all from Him. What a blessing that He makes us light also. Thank You, Lord.