Family Faith and Fun Fridays: The Light of the World
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. -Hebrews 4:12Welcome to Family Faith and Fun Fridays! As the week winds down and I anticipate more family time over the weekend, I often ask God for one good idea that will enable me to bring the Word to life and bring our family together. Usually, the activity overflows out of something the Lord has been teaching me through His Word during the week. I’d like to invite you to join me and my family in the adventure. Sometimes I’ll post things we’ve tried; other times I’ll post an idea in the works. If you’ve got thoughts to add or suggestions on how to adapt or improve the activity, please don’t hesitate to comment. Enjoy!
The Light of the World
Last week as I prepared Sunday dinner, Joshua serenaded me over and over with the simple child’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” Joshua’s monotone chorus shifted my thoughts to Jesus’ words inMatthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I pray continually that our family will indeed be a light that scatters the flame of faith in this dark world. But I wondered as I listened to my littlest boy if my kids have ever thought about the age-old admonition of that little Sunday School tune. “Hide it under a bushel— NO!”
When we’d all gathered around the table, I placed a candle and right in front of Joshua. As I read Jesus’ words from Matthew, I lit the candle and we watched the flame dance and glow. Then, I asked the kids to brainstorm ways that we can shine for Jesus. They tossed around dozens of real-life activities that bring Jesus honor, from speaking kind words to mean kids (or crabby parents) to pulling weeds for Dad when he’s not looking.
The second question I asked was this: “What kinds of things can we do to hide our light (or in Jesus’ terminology, to put our flame under a bowl)”? Again, the kids responded with a variety of ideas: making fun of someone, stealing, disobeying, lying…. After we had discussed the kids’ ideas, we took a peek at Jesus’ list in Mark 7:20-22.
As I read the passage from Mark aloud, I placed a large glass cup over the candle (I should have used a bowl!) and we watched what happened. The flame slowly faded and died- a vivid picture of what happens when we douse the light of Jesus within us. We all agreed that we would rather shine brightly like a city on a hill. How about you?
Oh, sweet friend, you ARE a light to the world.
Hope you have a marvelous time in sunny AZ!
This is my all time favorite scripture…it pulled me through all the rough years of tough decisions…high school, college, and beyond! When ever we are miss scriptures…and I am to beat to read them, we go around and recite our favorite scripture! This is always my top! I am very excited to do this wonderful easy example with my kiddos! Love ya!