Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 17, 2024
Matthew 5:12-16
12 Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Good Morning! Thy word is a lamp unto our feet!
I remember a Goldie Hawn movie from years ago. In it, Goldie plays a free-spirited middle-aged woman, and her best friend from her twenties is depicted as a stereotypical professional woman. Goldie dressed in bright colors, while her friend dressed in muted ones. In one scene, the friend who is sitting with her daughter at the DMV office suddenly realizes that her suit is the same color as the DMV office’s walls.
When we accept Christ, the light of Christ is placed within us. Do we try to hide or mute the light so that no one else can see it? Are we hoping to blend into the background, or do we unabashedly present the light for all to see?
There is a fine line between lauding it over others with haughty words like those who believe they are better than others would use it and just letting the light shine freely through our actions. To be a Christian does not mean to be a wallflower that is indistinguishable from its surroundings.
Let your light shine for the world to see! We’re called to be the royal diadem as we lead the way to Christ. In Amanda Gorman’s powerful words: For there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
Truthful God, Thank you for creating us. You have given us a great gift. Help us boldly share it with the world. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Don’t hide the light of Christ from others.
Let Your Light Shine! Pastor Liz
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