Read: Luke 8:16-18
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (v. 16 NIV)
The writer Max Lucado tells a story about four candles that didn’t want to leave their storage closet during a power outage. When the owner went to find them and light them so that he could see in the dark, the candles began to talk. They didn’t want to leave. One candle said he needed more preparation. Another one was too busy. Another said she was not qualified. The last one said that giving light was not her gift.
The story reflects some of our attitudes when it comes to being a witness of Christ to others. Some of us feel we need more training before we can tell others about Jesus. Some of us look at our own lives and feel we don’t have the right to talk about Jesus because of our failures. Others of us are busy doing other things. Some of us are scared.
Christ is quick to set us straight. We are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:16), he said, just as he is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). People need to see God working in our lives and give him praise. We are meant to be witnesses, not hide our lights away.
Let go of your excuses and simply let your light shine.
—————
Rev. Titus Baraka is the executive director of Words of Hope Uganda. With more than 40 years of experience as an evangelistic preacher and pastor, he is passionate about sharing the gospel. Through radio programs of all types, from music, to Bible studies, to counseling, Words of Hope Uganda is claiming all assets of Ugandan society and culture for Christ. Words of Hope is empowering Ugandan pastors and churches to effectively nurture their people in the life of Christian discipleship.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (v. 16 NIV)
The writer Max Lucado tells a story about four candles that didn’t want to leave their storage closet during a power outage. When the owner went to find them and light them so that he could see in the dark, the candles began to talk. They didn’t want to leave. One candle said he needed more preparation. Another one was too busy. Another said she was not qualified. The last one said that giving light was not her gift.
The story reflects some of our attitudes when it comes to being a witness of Christ to others. Some of us feel we need more training before we can tell others about Jesus. Some of us look at our own lives and feel we don’t have the right to talk about Jesus because of our failures. Others of us are busy doing other things. Some of us are scared.
Christ is quick to set us straight. We are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:16), he said, just as he is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). People need to see God working in our lives and give him praise. We are meant to be witnesses, not hide our lights away.
Let go of your excuses and simply let your light shine.
—————
Rev. Titus Baraka is the executive director of Words of Hope Uganda. With more than 40 years of experience as an evangelistic preacher and pastor, he is passionate about sharing the gospel. Through radio programs of all types, from music, to Bible studies, to counseling, Words of Hope Uganda is claiming all assets of Ugandan society and culture for Christ. Words of Hope is empowering Ugandan pastors and churches to effectively nurture their people in the life of Christian discipleship.
