matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Two things you should know about me: I was a Communication major in college, where I specialized in how to read people. I play music quite often. It would seem logical then that while I'm on stage my mind is trying to process the reactions of the audience. Head nods are good. Amens every now and then are good as well. These are the reactions that we've received the most. Which is why tonight was so very different.

We were added, last minute, to a hard core band's show. They are friends of ours, playing the club scene. When we started playing, I felt this immediate pressure to "water down" the stories behind our songs. To just play. Don't talk. And definitely don't share the gospel...

What conviction these verses brought to my heart! I have been light with a fire in my heart that should "shine before men" and why? that they may what? "see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Yes, that's it. That they may know the One who is heaven. Be bold then, stand as lights on a hill, validating the truth of the gospel in all situations.