Theology in Country Music: Is Your Light Shining?

This past Sunday (04.10.11) we sang the Donna Fargo song “You Can’t Be A Beacon.”  It is an old catchy tune about letting your light shine before men. Jesus says in his word in Matthew 5:13-16:

Salt and Light

¹³“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

^14-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Our Lord is telling us that we are to lights in a dark world.  We are here to show God’s light to a lost, hurting, and dying world.  Our lives are to model Christ wherever we go.  God has put us on display for the world to see.  Whether you realize it or not, when you tell someone you are a follower of Christ, you are going to be watched.  People want to see if you walk matches your talk.  People want to see if your actions match your words.  People want to see if you are an example and a model of your Lord.  It has been said: “People don’t care how much know, until they know how much you care.

This is not to say we are perfect, but we should lead a consistent Godly life before men.  Our desire as believers is to be like Jesus.  Jesus said that he is the light of the world. then we too as individuals and as a church must also be his light in this world.  Too many times people ask me if there is a God, then why is there so much evil?  Part of the reason is because as humans we are fallen beings.  As fallen beings we sin and treat each other in ways that are displeasing to God.  Another reason evil triumphs is because we as a church hide our light.  We see the need in this fallen world, and we hide our light before men.  This week make it your prayer to be God’s light to someone who needs it. Do not just tell someone of the love of God, but show them.

As Donna Fargo sings at the end of her song: “You can be a be a beacon if you let it shine.”  Be a light for God this week

Until next time.

let your light shine before men

pastor greg t.