Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Driving home after work this past week, my world was encased in a low, soupy (well, thicker than soup, more like stew) fog. Unable to see more than 20 feet ahead of me, I was driving as carefully as I could. The only way that I knew that there were cars around me was by their lights. The only way they knew that I was around was also because I had my lights turned on. The light did me no good. I could not see anyways. Yet other cars were able to avoid me because they knew where I was from the light that shone out from my headlamps.

I drove out of the fog for a quick moment. In that clear area of the road, I looked out my window to the grounds of a passing farm. There stood a cow and her calf enshrouded by fog, the tendrils of the cloud snaking around the bleating calf. All around and behind them was nothing but the whiteness of the cloud.

Light, its important. Without light, or even a visible source of light, nervousness steps in and unsureness dogs our steps. Like the calf and cow out on the rising ground, encased by fog, we become distant from our surroundings, unable to continue in any direction without fear. When we have lights to show us our way, we are able to avoid the pitfalls and the traps that might intimidate us or blindside us in the fog. Our light, although it is a poor reflection, whose source is Christ aids others. We may not see any effect from it and will wonder if we are doing any good, but assuredly, the blazing light of Christ will show others the way as we try and stay on the road.

Yet there is more to His light. We ourselves are responsible to let it shine through us, imperfect mirrors though we are. We need to shine no matter where we are, no matter with whom we stand or work. I saw a sad sight at work yesterday. I found one of my co-workers was a Christian. I know this because during the luncheon hour, he slipped away, back into the hanger and went to his toolbox. I as is my wont, also spend my lunch hours, at my box reading through several chapters in my Bible and having my devotions. Curious as to why he was looking around so furtively, I followed, and watched as he pulled out a small Bible from his toolbox and bowed his head and prayed. This, one of my fellow co-workers had been hiding his light so as to fit in with the others at work!

Christ's light shines at all times. The darker the night may be, the brighter the light will seem. Do we do our best to be the best reflectors and the best lamps of God we can, or do we – like my co-worker – hide this light of ours so better to blend in with everyone? Please! Let your light shine!

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.