Our lives are like candles. Today the spotlight is on you, candle; are you drawing attention to God in Heaven as Jesus describes here in Matthew?

"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Jesus calls us the light of the world. Naturally, a light is not for hiding under a cover-up. Its purpose is to shine as widely as possible. The brighter the light, and the more open a space it is in, the better it does its job. Jesus says, if it is put on its stand, it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way we - who are lights reflecting His glory - are to shine by doing good deeds.

Did you know the good deeds you do should attract attention and praise to God? There are various motives of course, and most people can tell if we've done something to gain attention for ourselves or for God.

Let's say we are full of the love of Jesus, and love to Him, and in spending time with Him, we've gained some valuable insights into God's will and plan for us all. So we share this love with others, and teach them what we've learned, we do kind deeds for those who need help because we know this pleases our Lord. Then we are being lights in our area of the world.

It can happen that our deeds become known in a wider circle, either because of publicity, or because we've done them in a public arena or stadium, or where the media can see and describe them. That means our light is suddenly shining over a much larger area and can draw and influence more people to come to Christ, and to love and obey God the Father.

No matter how small our sphere is, we ought to shine right there. God wants to scatter His light all over the world, including the nooks and closets of the most obscure corners. So for this moment, the spotlight is on you, candle; how brightly are you shining so people see God at work?