As children, many of us grew up singing the song, "This Little Christian Light of Mine." Although normally sung by children, the words of this song remind us of the important adult themes and spiritual truths that each of us remembers if we are to be "lights in the world."

"This little Christian light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." This little song begins with the simple determination--"I'm gonna let it shine." Strong determination is necessary because we live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (Philippians 2:15). Paul encouraged the Roman brethren "...Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day.."(Romans 12:12,13). The challenge is often intensified because of the habits of our former life. The world keeps calling us back. But to Christians who live in the midst of such challenges, Paul writes, "For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:7-11). Let us begin each day with this same strong determination, "Today, I'm going to walk as a child of light! I'm gonna let it shine."

"Hide it under a bushel, No! I'm gonna let it shine." The purpose of light is to illuminate. God sent His Son Jesus, the true light of the world, that those who believe on Him should no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 1:9; 8:12). Jesus calls His followers to be lights in the world (Matthew 5:14). We understand, of course, that we are not primary sources of light, but like the moon, we reflect the light of another. Our purpose is to reflect the light of Christ by filling our lives with good works (1 Peter 2:12), and pointing others to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9). But this purpose is thwarted if we hide our lamps under bushels. Sin is the bushel that keeps the world from seeing our lights. We must put away worldliness, lukewarmness, neglectfulness, and sinful attitudes so that our lights will not be hidden. Let us "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). "I'm gonna let it shine."

"Don't let Satan (blow) it out, I'm gonna let it shine." Satan is the prince of darkness, the enemy of light, and he seeks to destroy the potential good that our lights can do. Satan knows that if God's will is to be accomplished in this world, Christians will have to carry it out. If he can get us to dim our lights by compromising our convictions or holding back our aggressiveness against error, he has won a major victory. In contrast, the apostle Paul encourages us to be "lights in the world, holding forth the word of life" (Philippians 2:15,16). Paul gives us the key to success in verses 14 and 15. Our obedience must be without murmuring or questioning, voluntary, and submissive to His will. Our obedience must be, not only the right action, but with the right attitude. Such light Satan can never extinguish! "I'm gonna let it shine."

"Let it shine till Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine." The job of letting our lights shine must continue all the days of our lives. To the Thessalonians, Paul wrote that the day of the Lord would come unexpectedly to those in darkness, but such would not be the case for the sons of light. "Those of the day" should be watchful and sober, ready at any moment for the Lord's return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-11). We cannot "take a day off" or "go on vacation." What a tremendous and wonderful challenge we face as we wait for the Lord's return. "Let it shine, all the time, let it shine."
(Edited-KMG)

Is your light shining, flickering, or completely out? We need to remember to live in such a manner that men can see Jesus living in us. The world is lost in the darkness of sin and doubt. By conducting our lives in accordance with His will, we can lead them to light and hope. If our lives don't lead them to the light, how will they find it? "Let it shine!" The world is in great need of light!!-KG