"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NKJV
There was room at the table, but I wondered whether or not I should sit.
After all, I was a preacher.
My wife and I and a couple from church were out on the town. We had eaten at
our favorite greasy-spoon restaurant and were now looking for something to
do. As we rode through downtown, we noticed one of the local car clubs was
having a show with live music.
We pulled into the parking place and noticed a friend sitting at the table
with a couple. The young lady had recently birthed a premature baby who was
on our prayer list at church. She and her boyfriend were enjoying a drink,
as were all the others who sat at tables near them. We wanted to introduce
ourselves and socialize, but I knew what some in the church might think if
they saw me sitting there.
The thought of what Jesus might do entered my mind. He didn't hang around
with the church folks too much. An action that led them to accuse Him of
socializing with the scum of the earth. They probably would have classified
those at the tables as such. Jesus countered their accusations by telling
them He hadn't come for the well, but for the sick. The sick of spirit, the
sick of emotion.
I decided I'd risk offending some church folks to please Jesus. The young
man at the table asked how I knew our mutual friend. I told him I was her
pastor. He didn't appear shocked or say "I'm sorry" and discard his beer or
cigarettes. But we enjoyed a pleasant conversation, told them were praying
for their child, and invited them to church.
When we left to stroll through the car show, I felt a sense of peace-not
guilt. I had done exactly as Jesus would have done. We had let our lights
shine. We didn't beat them over the head with the Bible or religious
platitudes, but we did bring the love of Christ to the table in a
non-threatening manner.
Jesus doesn't want our lights to shine with pride-as the religious elite of
His day did. He merely wants us to take Him into every situation we
encounter. When we do, others will experience His love through our presence,
our love, and our words.
Don't hide your light. Let it shine.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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