A couple months ago, my children and I were headed to the fruit farm to grab some of our favorite apples. On the way there, we had a debate about the song, “This little light of mine.”
My children seem to think that THIS version was the original version.
I was trying to explain to them that THIS version was more along the lines of the original version.
No matter how much I tried to convince them that the version I had shown them was the original version, they wouldn’t budge. They were right and mommy was old and had no idea what she was talking about.
No matter the version, the revelation God gave me this past weekend about the meaning of ‘the light‘ was powerful.
While reading Matthew 5:14-16, I realized there was a deeper uncovering of this song and the associated passage of scripture that I had missed. Let me remind you of what the scripture that supports the song says,
“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. (AMP)
My amazing Sunday School teachers had taught me that my light was my willingness to share my salvation with the world and although this is true, I have come to realize that it is much more.
As I read the words, “nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,” I couldn’t help but feel like this could be referencing the assignments God has given us. Especially the one that we are NOT walking in because of fear, uncertainty, limiting mindsets, or lies that we don’t have a seat at the table. If I am the light of the world, then my assignment would be how my light is shown to the world. When I am not walking in this assignment, I am in fact ‘putting it under a basket or bushel.’
If the purpose of our light is that others may see our good works and worship our Father in heaven, then salvation alone can not be the only light that is being referred to in this passage of scripture. Salvation is the byproduct of choosing to let your light shine through fulfilling your assignment. Your assignment is something that can be shown to the world and point people to God. When you begin to walk in your assignment, people will associate the good that comes from you to the God that is within you.
Is your light being a business owner? A writer? A philanthropist?
Is God telling you to take another position to fulfill a new assignment or make more room in your schedule for a ministry he has placed within you?
Whatever it is, it is time to let THAT light shine.
Today if you can, take some time and ponder on what assignment God is calling you to, then sing whichever version of this little light of mine you know. And when you do, I want you to make a declaration that you will not hide that light under a bushel any longer.
I pray that this week, you make a decision to stop hiding your light from the world and truly ‘Let It Shine.’