Ashley bought 3 peonies a couple years ago. The three varieties were going to produce some beautiful blooms that we couldn’t wait to see. But young deer who didn’t know any better bit off the blossoms and cut one down to the ground. We were heartbroken because we couldn’t wait to see what they would look like and the colors they would produce.
This year, they miraculously (at least to us it was a miracle) grew back and put forth gorgeous blossoms! The colors were amazing and I couldn’t wait to bring them inside. The first one that bloomed we cut and brought in and put it in a glass vase. And then more came, and we cut those and brought them in, too. The next thing I knew there were three plants outside our window with no blossoms left and they just looked sad. They produced a couple more and we were smart and left them alone as they lit up the outside with their beauty.
It hit me today, as our Bible study was talking about faith and deeds in James 2, that when we cut that fruit and put it on display for ourselves, it dies quickly with no roots, no access to its source and energy, and it dies in the presence of only one or a few. But when we leave it on display for others to see, it communicates so much more than just beauty. It truly communicates life!
“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 5.14-16
We are the light of the WORLD, meaning our devotion to God is seen by all, not private to only us. We’re a town on a hill, not a town hidden out of sight that no one knows exists. We don’t harbor the light in our home to only ourselves, but we cast it for others to benefit from. Our love of God is to be evident so that others may know God as we do; that they may seek to know Him, not just know of Him.
I’m not telling you to be showy with your faith, but I am telling you to show your faith. Let the world see your love for God. Like the plant that’s visible to many so that many may enjoy and appreciate it, let God be on display to as many as possible, and pray that they may see His beauty because you were willing to make Him known. Put God on display for all!
—Pastor Whit