Let Your Light Shine

Dear Friends,  

The Daily Word scripture for today says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” ---Matthew 5:16.

I first heard this scripture when I was very young; there were even easy songs for us to learn about it. However, I had trouble reconciling this message with the ones that reminded me that I was in imminent danger of sinning, and that I had to prove myself worthy---all the time---of God’s love and favor. That’s a tough conundrum for a small child. Since then, I’ve grown to appreciate the verse by reframing many of the words and the language of it. I now know that “good works” are the result of spiritual inspiration and creating with God, not the things one has to do in order to please Spirit.

I now know that unseen works are perhaps even more valuable than the seen one. I now know that God is more than the idea of “Father,” and that heaven is less a place than it is a state of mind. But I also now know that it is necessary for us to “give glory,” because that is what we were created to do and be. By living our truest self and most authentic selves, firmly centered in Spirit, we not only allow ourselves to be seen---we also see others (despite outward appearances.) In these ways, we are instrumental in pointing to Spirit as the source of our being, allowing our lives to be a living example of the peace that comes with that knowledge. So, you see, those old scriptures come around and are renewed by our increasing understanding. I can’t guarantee that for every part of the Scriptures, but it’s a start! So light your lights shine, beloved ones, for yourselves and for the world. It is its own reward, and it infuses the universe with perfect, orderly rays of Good.  

Much love and many blessings,

Rev Jill