I like hot sauce! When my wife and I first started dating I had two whole shelves of the refrigerator dedicated to hot sauces of various kinds. Now, when I got married she said, “Pick three.” That was impossible…and I ended up picking three. But I like flavor! And the hotter the better.
Last Sunday, we celebrated my grandmother’s 90th birthday. It was a wonderful time—kids, grandkids, great grandkids—and the food was delicious. The venue has a wonderful selection and they go all out on their condiments. As you’ll notice, they even provide miniature Tabasco bottles. Always a favorite of mine. When I examined the bottle I noticed on the back it said “light things up”. Now we’re talking. That is my kind of motto.
A tiny Tabasco bottle with the encouragement to “LIGHT THINGS UP”
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14-16 NET
Light Things Up
Most Christians know this Scripture. It reminds us of who we are, the light. But do we ever stop and ask the functional question, mainly, “Do I light things up in and through my faith?” As Christians, we are to light things up, bringing light to a dark world. Sin had snuffed out the hope of being with God. Through the coming of Jesus, light has broken into the world and is breaking out everywhere. He lit things up through His faithfulness, His teaching, His preaching, His miracles. But things really lit up when He died on the cross then rose from the dead!
Thankfully, God did so much more than turn up the heat on sin or bring flavor to the world. In Jesus Christ God set the world on fire, bringing a refining of all that is, so that what is left is holy and good. We are people of fire, of light.
Bring some flavor. Be a bit spicy. But Christian, light things up!
—Pastor Whit
Read more inspirational messages regarding faith by checking out past Whitt’s End articles.