This week in our chapel class we talked about one of my favorite passages, Matthew 5:15-16. I love the instruction and the encouragement we find in these verses. This passage comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It follows the “beatitudes” and it is an exhortation directed at the followers of Christ.

Matthew 5:15 “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, instead they place it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

As we talked in class about this passage, our conversation initially centered on identifying some good works that we can do for others. We spoke of shining our light through various acts of kindness and words of encouragement that we share with others. There were some great examples of sharing and caring offered up by the group. And then the conversation shifted. We talked about some of the baskets that hide our light. We talked about fears, frustrations, bad habits, and other things which keep us from shining our light. It was a little heavy as people spoke honestly of some the “baskets” they have wrestled with in the past and which they wrestle with today.

One person shared that they felt like they had wasted a lot of years with their light under a basket. They spoke of relationships damaged and opportunities squandered by not walking in their faith, by not glorifying God with their words or their actions. Then they added, “But God is so good. He is helping me to get rid of some of those baskets. He is helping me start to shine my light again. I am going to leave chapel today and I am going to say some things and do some things that will bless others and glorify Him.” Amen.

I don’t know what baskets or situations or circumstances may have kept you from shining your light this week but I know this. God is good. And no matter how dark things may have been, God will strengthen you. God will help you to walk in your faith. God will help you shine your light again. And as you do, others will be blessed and our Lord will be glorified.