Showing Through

A little girl came home from church one Sunday morning obviously perplexed. When her mother asked her what was wrong, she replied, "Mom, our Bible study lesson this morning really confused me."

The mother was concerned, and asked, "Why is that?" The girl replied, "Well, the teacher said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother replied. "She also said that God lives within us," the little girl continued. "Is that true too?"

Again, the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"

Out of the mouths of babes! That simple story makes a profound point, with obvious implications for each of our lives. If God is who we say He is, and if He is as "big" as we claim, then He should "show through" our lives to those around us. Does He?

In the gospel of John, Jesus said that He was "the light of the world" and that whoever followed Him would never walk in darkness (John 8:12). He also taught, in the Sermon on the Mount, that His followers would be "the light of the world." No one would light a candle, He said, and then cover it with a bowl. Instead, they would put it on a stand so that it could give light to everyone in the house. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

What was He saying? We are the light of the world, because He is the light of the world in us. His light "shows through." Jesus clearly taught that when those around us notice our good deeds and see our light so shine, they won't be inclined to praise us, but instead give praise to God. They will recognize the source of the light, and His glory will be revealed through our obedience.

May each of our lives be a testimony to all around of how big our God really is, and may His light shine through you this week. I'm praying for you, as I hope you are for me, and I look forward to seeingyou on Sunday.

--Pastor Ken

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