For some reason this song came to mind today.

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine.

The song was written by Moody Bible student Harry Dixon Loes as a children’s gospel tune. “This Little Light of Mine” also became a Civil Rights anthem in the 50’s and 60’s. Racial reconciliation is still an area that could use a lot of Gospel light.

I didn’t realize that the full lyrics included a bit of light for each day.

Monday gave me the gift of love,

Tuesday peace came from above,

Wednesday told me to have more faith,

Thursday gave me a little more grace,

Friday told me to watch and pray,

Saturday told me just what to say,

Sunday gave me the power divine,

Just to let my little light shine.

Wednesday is have more faith day. Regular readers know that I will love Thursday.

Jesus told His followers that we are to be a light to those around us.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

I don’t know about you but those challenges from Jesus are daunting. Sometimes I don’t feel much like a light to the world. I feel more like the dimmest bulb in the Church Light Store. A quote from one of my favorite authors gave me hope.

“Imperfection is the only prerequisite for grace. Light only gets in through the cracks.”~ Philip Yancey

For years I tried to patch the cracks with new disciplines and phony masks. Now I own each and every flaw and crack that allows the light of the Gospel into the darkness of my soul. And when I am vulnerable to others they see that light shining right back through those same cracks of imperfection. And suddenly the command of Jesus is not so daunting because it has NOTHING to do with me. It is all about letting the light of the Gospel into my heart and sharing that light with others. Then good deeds flow out of gratitude and not begrudging obligation.

Another of my favorite writers is 19th Century preacher Charles Spurgeon. He said this about the topic of light.

“I would not give much for your religion unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they do shine.”

Remember where your light comes from today. And let a little bit reflect back to a world that could us some light now.