This photo was taken through the front window of a bus I was recently on while traveling in Dublin, Ireland. One thing I love about Dublin is that lots of people ride bikes there, and they have plenty of designated bike lanes, too. But one thing that drove me CRAZY is how many people who were riding bikes either wore dark clothing, had no helmet, or didn’t use their lights… even when it was nighttime. So, especially at night, they became practically invisible!
Whether we like to admit it or not, sometimes we who call ourselves Christians can be kind of like that, too. Though we say we believe in Jesus, we don’t always let him shine through us in all we say and do. And sometimes when we do well, we fail to give God the credit, fearing that others might find it offensive or think we’re being preachy. As a result, not only do we become invisible, but we also make it harder for people to see God.
Well, Jesus had something to say about that. In Matthew 5:16 he says very directly, “Let your light shine before others…” Why? So that they’ll praise you? No, it’s “so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Italics are mine.)
One of the most stunning and humbling things I’ve ever heard came from a woman I was counseling years ago who, at a crucial moment in our conversation, paused, looked me in the eye and said tearfully, “I see God in you.” That really rocked me, because I know all too well that there are plenty of times when God is not so visible in me. And yet her comment serves as a powerful reminder that that’s what the world wants and needs today… to see God in each of us who consider ourselves to be followers of Jesus.
So, let me just ask, how visible is your light?
Rather than elaborate on that question, I’ll just leave you with a song that may help you ponder it. The song is called “Only Jesus” by the group Casting Crowns, and it includes this key line in the chorus:
“I’ve only got one life to live; I’ll let every second point to Him… only Jesus.”
Here’s a link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_eQd3K2Fxp4?feature=shared, and here’s a prayer to go with it.
Loving God, we want to let your light shine through us, but sometimes it’s hard. So, give us wisdom when we don’t know how, strength when it’s just not easy, and grace when we mess up. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Dave Marty is a retired pastor who lives with his wife, Mary, in Brownsburg, Indiana. They have two beautiful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two creative teenage grandchildren. In addition to cycling (including unicycling), Dave also enjoys gardening, Scrabble, hosting Holy Land tours with Mary, and tutoring kindergarteners at a nearby school