“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill that cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15
My definition of a bushel: The barrier between the life we lead and the life that God has called us to live. It’s comprised of uncomfortable (often painful) life experiences woven together over time, reinforced with doubts, fears, excuses, disappointments, unanswered prayer…(the list could go on forever) It is what defines our comfort zone. It hinders faith.
When I was a child I loved to sing “This Little Light of Mine.” I would take a deep breath and belt it out with everything I had. My favorite part, “…Hide it under a bushel?! NO!! I’m gonna let it shine! LET IT SHINE! LET IT SHINE! LET IT SHINEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” Righteous indignation poured out with every decibel. To hide the light was unthinkable and I was determined that everyone would know it.
Unfortunately, life soon stepped in to suggest that the notion of living a bushel-less life is impossible and naive. And of course the enemy was there to back it up. Before I knew it this little girl who was going to set the world on fire had traded in her flame for a flashlight. (You know the kind where the batteries are almost dead and you have to slap it around it to light for even a little bit.) I’ve come to the realization that Satan doesn’t need to keep us from having the light as long as aren’t going to start anything with it.
I kind of wish it was that easy… explain the Bushel away with a “Satan made me do it” excuse. Unfortunately, they truth of the matter I spend a lot of time and energy maintaining my bushel. God is forever pursuing and challenging us to step out past ourselves and believe. It's exhasting coming up with new excuses to patch the holes He keeps poking into my Bushel.
I have walked through life apologetically, fearing that this light within me might offend the darkness. I settled for experiencing God in portions and moments rather than living a life fully set apart. I have used past mistakes and failures as excuses for not fully obeying God and stepping out in faith… AND I’m TIRED OF IT!
I am tired of living a life forever tainted by the fear of “what if”. What if… I’m wrong…I fail?…I step out and God doesn’t show up? …
IT’S ALL BUSHEL!
Lies and fear are what keep the bushel in place.
Imagine with me,what would happen if we all walked out from under our bushels and opperated out of faith and love. Just think of the fire that would blaze across this world if we turned this “little light” of ours on the bushels meant to hold them back! It would be unquenchable!!
A bushel-less life?To be completely honest the idea still scares me…but I want it. Even so, I find myself in a new place these days, where the anticipation of what God can do outweighs the fear.
This little light of mine? I’m going to let it shine!
