Matthew 5:14-16
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 (NLT)
This passage from Matthew always brings to my mind the song, “This Little Light of Mine” that I learned many years ago in Sunday School. (Sorry if this reference keeps you humming this song throughout your day.) It is a very simple message that is appropriate for all ages. Each of us can be a light in this world as we share love and care for others. Southwood began with approximately 140 charter members and has now grown to become one of the biggest churches in Lincoln. There are many collective lights shining within Southwood and we can follow Jesus’ words of “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
There are so many ways that Southwood is letting that light shine through the outreach of missions and each of us can find a way to serve. Maybe you can donate food for the food bank, help pack backpacks, tie a quilt, crochet a prayer shawl, serve a meal at Matt Talbot or the Gathering Place, help with the Southwood garden, join the prayer team, join the care team, teach a Sunday School class, sing in the choir, be an usher or a greeter on Sunday morning, or even go on a mission trip to Tanzania or Honduras. That is quite an extensive lift, but there are many more ways to serve. Even though we are a big congregation, all of these good things would not happen without individuals helping.
When Southwood moved to our current location, we were pretty much alone on that hill and now Lincoln is growing all around us. There will be new opportunities to serve our community. Let’s be that light within our community, so people will know and praise our heavenly Father. Yes, that may start with the good deeds we do in our neighborhood and around the world.
Questions for Reflection:
- What do you feel Southwood’s greatest challenges and opportunities will be to serve our community?
- How do you think you can let your light shine for others?
Prayer:
Good and gracious God,
Thank you for bringing the light into the darkness of this world through Your son Jesus. Help us to follow Your guiding light as we seek ways to serve Your people. Open the doors of opportunity to love and lead others to You. Amen
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