Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

Whenever I was driving up near where I used to live, I always looked to see if “my” birch tree is still there. The tree is about 15 miles from my old home, on the right side of the road. Its stark, white bark boldly stands out among the deep green leaves and brown bark of the other trees.

Like that birch tree, we are meant to stand out in this world. We are to stand out not so we can draw attention to ourselves but to draw attention to our Savior. In a world full of darkness, people are searching for light. Where else are people going to see the light of Christ but in his followers?

Of course, God doesn’t expect us to go out on our own. God equips us with the Holy Spirit and the Bible to guide us. The Bible teaches us that the world will know we are followers of Christ not because of any words we may say but because of the love we show others. The love of God will make us shine like a birch among sycamores.

Father, give us the strength, the wisdom, and the love to shed your light in this dark world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.