Make Your Light Shine
Bring Out the God Colors
Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)
October 21, 2007
Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf
Despite the fact that its arrival means cold weather is just around the corner, I have to admit that autumn is the most exquisitely beautiful time of the year. So it was that Tom and I were really looking forward to our drive to northern Michigan for Brooke Herman's wedding this weekend. Unfortunately Friday turned out to be overcast and raining and although we drove through miles and miles of forested land we could see little in the way of the spectacular autumn colors we were expecting. But Saturday morning, the sun was shining brightly and as we drove from our cabin in the woods to St. Michael's church for the wedding and then after the wedding back to Grand Rapids for Tom's flight back to Omaha, the world around us looked like an artist's canvas -brilliant reds, dazzling yellows, and stunning oranges. Even the greens looked brighter. The transformation was utterly amazing. But then, as the sun set and darkness descended on the world, those colors all but disappeared -no greens, no reds, no yellows no oranges, just shades of black and grey.
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world." Right before my eyes these words came to life with a clarity and an intensity that surprised me. The colors were already in the trees, the light of the brilliant autumn sun simply revealed what was already there, allowing it to shine forth its natural beauty!
Over the course of the year, each time the Stewards LIGHT Team gathered, we did a short scripture study which involved reading a passage of scripture in several different translations and then talking about how that passage related to our call to be stewards of the gifts of God. So it was that the very familiar words from the New Revised Standard translation - "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ... In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - took on new meaning as we read them in both the Contemporary English Version and in The Message.
In the Contemporary English Version they were especially struck by the translation of verse 16 which is "Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven." [Matthew 5:16 CEV] "What we're used to hearing, 'Let your light shine...' seems so passive." one of the members said. "But 'Make your light shine,...' that implies some activity, some responsibility for the shining."
"Yes," another member said, "and isn't that what we're supposed to be about as stewards -caretakers of the gifts of God? If God made us light, aren't we supposed to be doing something to make our light shine?"
Then, when we got to The Message translation, one of them said, "That's it, when we shine, -when we use the gifts God has given us- we bring out the God-colors in ourselves and in the world around us!" And the theme for our Consecrating Stewards Program was born.
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world..." so SHINE!
His small congregation decided that one of their missions was to support the area food pantry. They tried various was to encourage members to participate from emphasizing an "item of the month" to encouraging people to choose a specific item that they purchased just for the food pantry every time they went to the store. Since sources of protein are always scarce on pantry shelves and since he happened to love Spam -the meat not the kind you get on your e-mail- every time he went to the store he bought two cans of Spam and brought it to church. He became known as the "Spam Man." Not only did the Food Pantry have a constant supply of an excellent source of protein, not only did he feel a sense of satisfaction by making the commitment to serve in this way, but others, saw what he was doing and choose something they loved to eat and bought an extra can or jar of it for the pantry each time they went to the store.
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world..." so SHINE!
When she moved into town and first attended the small congregation, it had just gone through a very difficult time. Several key families had become upset with the pastor and left, leaving the congregation struggling financially, emotionally and spiritually. She was like a ray of sunshine when she walked in the door that first Sunday. By the second or third Sunday she and her young son came, she was doing what she did -hugging everyone and sharing with them some word of affirmation or support or encouragement. No only that she volunteered to serve on various committees and began singing in the choir, offering to each her skills and talents and love. Her energy was contagious. Not only did she love what she was doing, but she literally hugged and loved that congregation back to life!
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world..." so SHINE!
On the first Tuesday of every month, they load food into their cars and vans and drive to the area homeless shelter to prepare a warm nutritious meal. One couple had the idea. They got others in their congregation interested. There wasn't any money in the budget, so in addition to their regular giving to the church, each family on the team gives an over and above gift so that there is enough money to buy the food. They love their Tuesday adventure. It's great fellowship, working together to prepare the meal. It's so rewarding as they offer not only food, but also a warm smile and a friendly greeting. Their joy is contagious. Some others in the congregation have joined the team -either going along on Tuesday or offering financial support. Still others have been encouraged to pursue missions they feel passionate about. Some are working on a plan to offer "English as Second Language" classes to help the many immigrants who are moving into their area. Some are working to encourage the congregation and its members to become more green -recycling, reducing, talking about what they can do to care for the environment. A new sense of mission has been unleashed in their midst.
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world..." so SHINE!
Each and every one of us is gifted in many and various ways. We have talents and skills. We have life experiences and passions. If we will but open our eyes and our hearts, we will recognize that each and every one of us looks at the world and sees some shade of grey, some dull and lifeless color that awaits our light, so that the God colors that are already there might shine through with spectacular brightness. And when we dare to shine; when we dare using the gifts God has entrusted to our care; when we dare doing what only we can do to make our light shine our own God-colors are likewise revealed and the world knows the beauty and the love of God in ways thet will forever remain hidden if we refuse to shine.
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world..." so SHINE!
Amen.
