When It’s Dark Enough, Even a Little Light Will Do!
Sherri Grosz
How do you feel when you are in the dark? When you can’t see your hand in front of your face? If you were in the dark, wouldn’t you be glad for the guidance of light to keep you safe? As Christians, we are called to be a light to the world and to let our light shine. We may be only one small light surrounded by vast, and sometimes overwhelming, darkness. We may wonder what difference we could make. The good news is that one small light will act as a guide to anyone lost in the darkness of night. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16). Picture a candle in the window – it does not cast much light but it can serve as a beacon on a dark night.
In the midst of our economic turmoil, where headlines continually shout that it’s bad and it may yet become worse, could we be light for each other and find our way together? Are we willing to risk sharing out stories of faith, hope and struggle with each other? Is there a place where we could meet together to explore questions of how to live faithfully with our finances?
Do you live in a manner that’s counter to our culture and resist the pull to spend and acquire more things? Are you a family that chooses to live on one income so that one spouse can have more time available to their children, family and community? Are you a young person giving of yourself for a year by volunteering and serving others?
Can we freely talk about our journey towards contentment, the knowledge that we do have enough and that God cares for us, regardless of our current circumstance? Have you decided to give regularly to your church, even though it means you must give up extras like restaurants and movies? Are you a business person who tries to balance decisions based on what is best for your employees and customers and the business rather than solely with profit?
Are we willing to risk sharing stories of our struggles, doubts and fears? Perhaps you are the person who struggles with the feeling you won’t have enough? Do you fear looking at your bank or credit card statements? Are you struggling with how to manage household finances in a Godly manner?
Are you willing to take a risk and share your story, your hopes and your fears? Are you willing to provide a safe space for others to share? Mennonite Foundation of Canada has resources that can help start these conversations. They are free for any of our conference churches and their members. Let’s discover what the Bible teaches about faith, money, and contentment and be a light to each other and to the world.