This Little Light of Mine

Legacy - Part 4
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Growing up, I remember singing a lot of kids’ songs in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  One song that we sang a lot was “This Little Light of Mine.” Perhaps you remember it—

I’m not sure I thought much about these words or the meaning of this song when I was little, but I did remember all of the hand motions.

Tradition has it that the song actually started as a poem back in 1925 and then was recorded as a song in the early 1930s. Tradition also has it that the song takes its theme from Jesus’ remarks to his followers in Matthew 5:14-16— 

In the final part of the Legacy series, Pastor Tim used the above scripture to show how the faith we profess is revealed through the good we do. Just as Jesus was trying to help the disciples see themselves differently, we need to see ourselves as being the light of the world. But how?

First, by understanding that is what we are. Jesus said we are the light of the world. The world is in darkness—spiritual blindness—and the world needs to see our light that reflects Jesus. Do you realize you are the light of the world? 

Second, we cannot hide our light. Jesus said no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. We need to radiate the light we have so others will see it. How is your light reflected in the world? In your home, your neighborhood, your workplace? 

Third, we need to let our light shine. Jesus said let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and give glory to God (not ourselves). What good works are you doing that point to God?

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…

While it’s fun to sing the words and do the hand motions, let’s remember that the real meaning of the song is that we are the light of the world, and we need to let our light shine, let it shine, let it shine!