You Are the Light of the World, Serve Jesus Wherever You Are

Do you ever get caught up in the comparison game and doubt whether the Lord loves you as much as others? Do you compare yourself with those who seem to do more visible and adventurous things for Jesus?  I do. When that happens, I tend to not do anything because I can’t do something “big”.

But Jesus tells me to not hold back even if my works are simple and practical in the realm of daily life. He says,

“You are the light of the world. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16).

We are encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17 to do everything in Jesus’ name and for the glory of God, no matter how mundane it seems. It’s just as important for us to be a light reflecting his love to our families, the checkout lady at the grocery store, and our neighbors as it is for someone else to minister to a tribe in Africa or to influence thousands at a time from a podium. If intercessory prayer, giving food or money to those in need, volunteering our time, or writing notes of encouragement to others glorifies God, then we can embrace it with joy knowing it pleases him.

With God, there is nothing insignificant about the small things we do for him.

He tells us,  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:35-40).

The Lord is good at taking the small things we have to offer and multiplying their effect in ways we can’t imagine. Just think of the boy who gave his lunch of five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus, who fed five thousand people with it (John 6:9-13).

That story is an encouragement to me, and I hope for you as well. You and I are called to do what we can, where we are, for him; shining our lights into a dark world.

Check out an earlier post by Cindy here.