“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-6).

My husband and I raised our family in a relatively small town. It was quite common to run into folks we knew whenever we went out to the Post Office, the bakery, or the local hardware store. When our boys became teenagers and were out more by themselves or with friends, I’d warn them - part seriously, part teasingly - “Just because I may not see what you're up to, someone in this small town likely will, and word will get back to me.” 

No, I was not a helicopter mom, micro-managing their every move. But I did want them to know that people see them, they have influence, and the choices they make matter. This is especially true for us as Christians. We don’t just represent our family of origin in the neighborhood, we represent the Family of God in the World. 

Most often, we show Jesus to people by our actions before we are invited to tell people about Jesus with our words. Chatham Community Church has a habit of doing this and doing it really well. Just last week, our church threw a huge Easter bash for the community. Back in October, we held an amazing Community Harvest Festival and gave away tons of candy (quite literally!). Next, on April 21st, we have Chatham Serves when we will do service projects all around Chatham County.

As a church family, we are purposeful about carrying out what Jesus instructs in this portion of His Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Sure, we can throw a super-fun party. Yes, we have amazingly talented people in our midst to make these events happen. But the motivation behind it is what matters; we were Made on Purpose for a Purpose. We do all these things to shine the Light of Jesus to the world around us. We want to create environments where we can invite people to come and see that we love them because God loves them, too!

As you go about your week and are interacting with friends, co-workers, and neighbors, consider how you are reflecting the Light of Jesus in those relationships. Ask the Lord how He would have you express His love and kindness today.