What Do THEY See? (Salt & Light #2)
I try hard to not be one of those pastors who uses their children as illustrations in sermons, bible studies, or devotions such as today’s installment of Let’s Do Lunch. That being said, sometimes there are things that are part of being daddy that lend themselves to helping unpack a truth found in the scriptures. As we conclude a brief two-part series on salt and light from Matthew 5, we find ourselves in the midst of one of those times.
The first 23 years of my life were spent as the youngest member of the family on my father’s side, and the first diaper I distinctly recall changing was Anna’s first diaper on the day she was born - when I happened to be 40 years old. Having two small children in our house has been a learning curve for me not only as a daddy but as one who never spent a lot of time around small children. Thus, sometimes I am flummoxed by things my children do/don’t do or say/don’t say. I believe firmly Erin is amused at times at how all this goes down, and sometimes - oftentimes - shakes her head as the children teach me stuff every day.
“OK, Lamar. So what?” Well, one thing Anna and Joseph are teaching me these days is that I can talk all I want, but sometimes I just have to show them whatever it is I want them to learn. Conversely, there are times I can show them all I want, but I need to speak to them. Oftentimes, I think it doesn’t matter if I talk or show - things are not going to get through. (That’s true not just in parenting, I know, but I digress.) This gets me into thinking about today’s words from Matthew 5:14-16, which are:
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
One thing people of all stripes have been good at since humanity first walked upon the earth is being people who find it easy to complain about, well, everything. In fact, I believe one reason why the scriptures are so full of exhortations for the people of faith to be those with glad and generous hearts is the Holy Spirit knows there is so much darkness that just sucks the life out of so much of our lives and the people within our lives because we draw towards the negative and cynical as opposed to the joyful.
A question this passage demands of those who encounter these words is, “Am I being God’s light in the world?” Rather than being one who adds to the negativity and polarization that is so prevalent in our world, do our thoughts, words, and deeds shine the light of grace, peace, reconciliation, restoration, redemption, and wholeness that comes from a gracious and loving God? Do our thoughts, words, and deeds draw people into a life of joy and peace due to the One who created them, loves them, and desires to sustain them?
Look, I’m not saying we should not engage in the weighty issues of the day. Not at all. However, we must be mindful of our sacred opportunity and obligation to be instruments of God’s grace and peace by allow the light of Christ to shine in and through us so that others may also see, know, and embrace true joy - joy that is in such desperate need by so many not only now, but always.
Whether it is a two-year-old spirited little boy or someone you meet by chance or those who are part of your social networks such as Facebook, may we all know we are being watched by someone who will either encounter a gracious and loving God through their interaction with us, or not. The choice is ours.
Grace & Peace,
Lamar