The Shining

I sat and trembled forth a few words to two dear souls.  "I think I may write something..."

I had stumbled upon a site that takes guest submissions.  But that fear of rejection.  Or even worse, the fear of no answer at all...the silence treatment always hurts the worst.  And of course, the fear of being in the spotlight.  And then the fear of pride.  So many fears. 

Putting yourself out there is risky.

I have struggled with how to live this life, this calling of being a light on a hill, and yet, not promote myself.  I have always thought that God would set up people as He pleases, and I still believe that, but I wonder if I am the one covering myself with a bowl as is described in Matthew 5:14-16.

"Here's another way to put it; You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.  God is not a secret to be kept.  We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.  If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?  I'm putting you on a light stand.  Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine!  Keep open house, be generous with your lives.  By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."  {Jesus}

Verse 16 says I should let my light shine before men, that they may see my good deeds and praise the Father in heaven.  The motive is not to be seen, but it is God-ordained that I am shining so that God can be seen.  The beauty is that in my good works,  I won't be praised at all, but instead, my Father in heaven.

It seems to tie in to my word for the year:  fruit.  God is telling me that I won't produce it without Him, so I don't have to worry about trying to produce it myself.  But, He is also saying that I don't have to fear good deeds, because He will be getting the glory!  If anything good comes out of me, it is from a total dependence on Him.  It will be a total reliance on His power, where only He can receive praise.


{And I smile and know God is real because I hear this new song in my earbuds right this moment:  Wake up child, it is your turn to shine.  You were born for such a time as this.  He's calling.  You were born for such a time as this.  Lyrics by Jesus Culture.}