Have you ever been to a big concert with thousands of people?
If so, you've probably experienced that moment when they turn all the lights down, and the lead singer asks the crowd to hold up their phones/torches/lighters.
It actually looks pretty cool when it works.
But did you know that Jesus did something similar?
Jesus and his crowd
Jesus' disciples were kind of like his most dedicated fans.
They followed him around, listened to his every word, and wanted to be like him.
If t-shirts were available, they probably would have bought them.
But Jesus wasn't interested in using his followers for personal gain. He had a much bigger – and better – goal in mind.
Put your hands in the air!
One day when Jesus was talking to a crowd of his closest followers, he told them this:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
Imagine Jesus as a lead singer at this point. This is his 'put your hands in the air and do what I do' moment.
At this point in the gig, he's just asked his disciples to do exactly what he's been doing his whole ministry – to go into the dark world and shine like crazy.
But why does he ask them to do it? Is it so the disciples can have a great time?
No, it's so that people may see their good deeds and glorify God!
Is your light switched on?
It would be a pretty lame concert if nobody followed the lead singer's instructions and everyone simply kept their hands in their pockets.
With the stage lights turned off, there would be no lights on at all. Total darkness.
And the same is true for us.
If Christians like you and I keep our light to ourselves (“hide it under a bowl”), then everyone around us will be left in darkness.
Our job is to hear the call of the ultimate lead singer and start waving our lights in the air like we actually do care.
Are you ready to put your hands up and shine the light of Christ today?
Whatever opportunities you've got to share the Gospel – or simply be kind, generous, loving, and peaceful in Jesus' name, – get out there and make it happen.
And pray that others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.