1010: You Are The Light of the World

I wake up early. 3 to 4 am early. 

Sneaking out of the bedroom, I am careful to keep quiet as I pad through the house with Hercules. (Herc is our 10.4-pound miniature dachshund.) 🙂 

No matter how careful I try to be, I occasionally sin. Without warning or expectation, my foot comes down upon one of Herc’s 5,327 squeaky toys. Usually, I tap a toy that sounds like a clown tweaking his nose in an echo chamber. It reverberates through the house.

My head fills with, “Sooooooorry.”

However, it’s really not my fault. It’s dark in the wee hours! Yet, I feel like I could have done better. It’s something most of us are familiar with. 

In many ways, traditional religion works to remind us that we’re…

• Awful

• Sinful

• Unworthy

In other words, “You could have done better!”

It’s a powerful message of fear used to keep some people trapped in lack and others clawing their way to redemption. 

Of course, not all religious people are that way. That’s why this letter focuses on the Christ. 

He’s not out with finger-pointing woe, but uplifting, whoa! 

Without an ounce of arrogance or false pride, Christ said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

That’s a bold declaration, right? 

“If you want to stop stubbing your toe or stepping on a squeaky in the dark night of this world, then look to me. I light the world up so you can clearly see where to walk.”

It’s a kind and encouraging message. A message of hope and direction. 

If it were left at that, we could hang out in the consciousness of the “light of life,” and that seems like a great spot for us awful, wretched people, yes? ;)

Well. If it were left at that. But it wasn’t.

The Christ turns to you and says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

You’re NOT awful.

You’re NOT sinful.

You’re NOT unworthy.

You ARE the light of the world. 

Shine!!

Stop hiding because someone told you you were less than. 

Stop putting a basket over your flame because you don't feel like enough. 

Stop pulling a blanket over your head because you keep replaying a past you‘re ashamed of.

Give your light to all. Your love to all. Get up on that lampstand and stand tall!

With your calls, texts, interactions, or just the way you carry yourself… shine bright, you light up the world!

Blessings,

Paul

Video Series: Christ’s Core Consciousness

1. The Collective

2. The Light of the World

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