Don’t Fear the Light - Martin Wiles

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. Matthew 5:15 NLT

He saw her standing by the hand-drawn well, and he knew his life would never be the same.

Community residents were converting an old school into a church. Marvin decided he’d visit to see if there was anything he could do. As he approached the construction site, two young sisters stood by the well house. Looking at one, Marvin’s heart skipped a beat. Summoning what courage he could, he approached her, introduced himself, and asked for a date.

The young lady’s response caught him off guard. “I’m a Christian,” she boldly stated. “I don’t go where a lot of young women go, and I don’t do what many young ladies do. Now if you still want a date, you can have one.”

Marvin did, and sixty plus years later, he and Gladys are still together. But he readily confesses he doesn’t know where he might be today had he not followed Gladys’ light.

The purpose of lighting a lamp was to get light. Light to read by, light to clean house by, light to do whatever one needed to do by. Covering the light would defeat the purpose. Covered lamps or candles go out, leaving one in the darkness. Jesus had a spiritual element in mind, but the lesson remains the same. Covering our testimony for Him leaves others in the dark.

Like Gladys, I should not be afraid to speak up about what I believe and whom I follow. My beliefs are based on the Bible which contains commands and principles God wants all people to follow. But many don’t know them. If I don’t shine my light into their lives, they may miss the greatest opportunity they’ll ever have.

Nor should I be afraid of holy living. Gladys wasn’t—even if it meant she might miss out on what others considered having a good time or even on a desired relationship. God is holy and expects His followers to be also. Living that way is not drudgery, but exciting. Holiness leads to abundant life.

Neither should I should be afraid to wait for the right person. Too many relationships end unhappily because they weren’t designed to be entered into in the first place. Pray, hold to your principles, and God will send the right person. He did for Gladys.

Don’t be afraid to let your light shine. Amazing things happen when you do.

Tweetable: Are you letting your light shine?

Prayer: Father, give us courage to let our lights shine brightly for You. 

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