Ask yourself: Am I the light of the world? Do I live my life each day in such a way that those around me would describe me as "a light"?

I'm studying a book with a group of guys from church and we starting discussing the concept of biblical character as it relates to church leadership. One of the suggestions on the topic was the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. The author says "if you need to check your attitude, go read the Beatitudes". Cute.

So I did. (Yes you can wonder at this point if my reading of the Beatitudes was an attitude check). I kept getting stuck in verse 14 where Jesus says "You are the light of the world. A town build on a hill cannot be hidden". What does that mean to followers of Christ in these modern times? How can I be a light of the world?

I used to think being Christian, sharing my faith, being a light, had to be big. Big service, turning people from a life of sin, "sealing the deal" and bring people to Christ. It took me a while to mature into knowing that all of those things are God's doing and not ours. Oh He uses us for his kingdom missions for sure, but it starts with being a light. Of course the opposite of light is possible for us to display too. Would a friend or neighbor who wants to dialogue with you about Jesus be drawn to your darkness? I don't think so.

I was at the dry cleaners this morning and as I pulled into the parking spot, I saw an elderly gentleman standing at his open back door, looking around. So that you know my heart, I had just followed another elderly driver at 10 MPH below the posted and I wasn't feeling so full of "light" at the moment. (Don't you know how busy I am?). My arms full of clothing, I'd planned to ignore him but thankfully the Spirit wouldn't let me! Even though my evil heart was rushed, I turned and smiled at him and said "good morning" He quickly asked for my help. He had dropped his keys between the seat and center console and couldn't get his hands between. Of course, I put down my load and spent 10 whole seconds of my day and helped him. He beamed and patted me on the back; "God Bless You" he said. We both went our separate ways and I realized God does bless me ALL THE TIME. He blessed me today with a guy who needed help for just a second. He blessed me by slowing me down a little to be someone's light.

You are the light of the world. Don't go dim!

Philip J.