Sunday, March 16, 2014

Are You a Light Stand or a Bucket?


            This morning I read something that really resonated with me.  The last few months (or maybe year!) I have been sort of hiding out at home, not participating in much outside social activity, and for whatever reason, feeling pretty apathetic.  I know – doesn’t sound too smart, but how many of you feel, or have felt this way too?
            Well, if you’re in this same pit I am right now, what I read this morning was a good kick start for me today – maybe it will be for you too.  And for those of you who don’t really need a good kick start, let’s call it a nice affirmation, or inspired reminder of what life is really all about – or should be J

13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.



(God-flavors: love, kindness, mercy, justice, compassion, caring, sharing, to name a few)
If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

(Garbage: unfriendly, unhappy, afraid, paranoid, selfish, worried, LONELY.  Oh no – is this where I’ve been lately!!)

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.

(God-colors: TRUTH, peace, joy, love, happiness, openness, transparency, light!)

God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.  
(Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

            This was my directive this morning; to get out and be productive, to do something – to help my fellow man.  It’s not just a nice idea, a feel-good sort of thing to do in my spare time – no, it’s a directive from God! 
            We are to be purposeful in our lives, not just sit idly under the bucket of our homes, being complacent, playing games and spending hours on end perusing social media (this has been me lately L).  Instead, we are to be purposeful, good salt, helping one another, especially the sick, the poor, the needy.  We should go out, with our warming, life-giving light shining, doing good things, seeking justice, spreading our tasty (God) flavoring to all those around us.  Yes, we should let our lights shine like a bright city on a hill that cannot be hidden!

            So, this, then, is our purpose in life.  Whatever our personality - bold or timid, bubbly or serious, gregarious or quiet, there is a way we can be salty and light-bearing.  If this wasn’t so, God wouldn’t have directed it.  He has already equipped us with what we need – we just need to use it.  If we just open our eyes to what is going on around us, we will see an unsalted, dim life or place that can use exactly what flavoring we each have to give. 

Be purposeful!

I choose the light stand, which do you choose?