WATCHWORD:
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
Meditation:
Tall Poppy Syndrome
At one time, when I thought I wanted to be a clinical psychologist, I knew a lot of straight and diagnostic psychological slang references. Some are pretty crazy, and in some ways, it’s like talking in code. When I came to my senses and dropped the clinical part, I ended up teaching adolescent psych in college. I used case studies as my style of teaching, and my students were the subjects. Not surprisingly, we encountered “Tall Poppy Syndrome” early on.
Tall poppy syndrome refers to the idea that the tall poppies in a field will get their tops cut off to make everything neat and equal. You will recognize this: If you are in the culture of adolescence, it is all right to be smart, but you can’t act smart. You can’t show it! Keep your head down, be invisible, don’t be noticed. Said a different way, whatever you do, don’t let your light shine too brightly, put it under a basket.
Years ago, I heard a sermon preached on the stages of Christian development. The pastor spoke about the stage of spiritual development which he called adolescence. What he was describing were Christians who found it difficult to speak of their faith. He said too often if a pastor is too good, shows off just a bit, knows everything, can quote every chapter and verse of the Bible, the adolescent Christian in the congregation may be overwhelmed, and silenced. He soon believes that his faith journey not worth sharing.
Jesus knew all about this. He preached it. He taught. He demonstrated it. He said (paraphrased) “No one embraces Me and keeps it a secret, hides it in the quiet of meditation times, rather than sharing it, and passing it on to everyone.”
Sharing your faith with others is not bragging! It is His Truth telling. Actually, it is being obedient. We are not called to keep our heads down or to be invisible. We are called to be tall poppies for our Lord and Savior. Put your light, your faith, on a stand and let it be known, let it shine! So be it.
Bulletin Board:
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, all the time.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray Matthew 5:14-16 over my life. Let me never forget I am the light of the world. It is my desire to shine brightly before others, allowing my attitude, words, and actions to reflect the values of Jesus. I want my life to be a testimony to Your goodness, Lord. I pray that You would use me to spread light to those in need, and that all my good deeds will glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
