Dear FPC Youth,
The last several weeks, we’ve been talking about choosing JOY and looking for rainbows, even when life feels dark and stormy. We’ve discussed how facing adversity and challenges in our own lives can actually help us learn to draw closer to God – and to appreciate things we may have taken for granted otherwise.
This week, we’re talking about how we are called to use the joy and hope we find in Jesus to shine a light in a sometimes dark world. We receive the gift of that light as Christians – but of course, it does not end there. We are called to share it with others, even when it isn’t an easy or popular thing to do.
I hope that you will find some time in the next few days to participate in this week’s “LivingRoom Lesson.” If you have thoughts or questions to share, please post those in the comments section below!
Be a Light
(adapted from https://thesource4ym.com/be-a-light/)
Last week, I wrote about the tulip poplar blooms I discovered on a recent walk. A storm the night before had shaken many blooms right off the trees. Because they were lying all over the path, I noticed and appreciated them in a way that I likely would not have if the storms had not blown through those same trees the night before. My perspective was changed because of the storm. This week, we talk about what it means to have a changed perspective as a Christian. Once we experience that joy for ourselves, our job is to pass it on. Or, in the words of the song we’re discussing today: Be a Light.
Thomas Rhett first performed Be a Light during a TV special in early April 2020. The proceeds from the song will go to MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief, and Rhett released this song early because he wanted to encourage people to be light in a dark place. The uplifting song features worship leader Chris Tomlin, and has a powerful message for the world, and for the church. Imagine if followers of Jesus took this to heart during this season and beyond. What could God do?
The Music Video
Song Lyrics: Be a Light
In a time full of war, be peace
In a time full of doubt, just believe
Yeah, there ain’t that much difference between you and me
In a time full of war, be peace
In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
In a place that needs change, make a difference
In a time full of noise, just listen
‘Cause life is but a breeze, better live it
In a place that needs a change, make a difference
In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Oh, don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
In a race that you can’t win, slow it down
Yeah, you only get one go around
‘Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground
In a race you can’t win, just slow it down
In a world full of hate, be a light (Oh-oh)
When you do somebody wrong, make it right (Make it right)
Don’t hide in the dark (Don’t hide in the dark), you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
Yeah, it’s hard to live in color
When you just see black and white
In a world full of hate, be a light.
For Reflection and Discussion
- What do you think and feel when you hear and read the words to Be a Light? Do you find parts of it particular relevant now? What about in the current social and political context?
- Here are some lines that stood out to me:
“there ain’t that much difference between you and me”
“In a time full of noise, just listen”
Why do you think the idea of finding common ground and listening to each other might be important? I think Rhett’s idea is not that we are called as Christians to loudly pronounce to everyone else the “right way” to live. In a world where it’s so easy to draw lines between you and me; us and them, this song instead encourages us to focus on common ground – those things that we all share. One way of doing that is to listen more and talk less.
- When I first heard this song, this passage came to mind:
Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, 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 in heaven.”
When I drive to my hometown (Americus, GA), there’s a spot on the road a few miles out of town where the road rises up on a little hill. Americus is also situated up on a little hill. So, at night, you can see the lights from the city shining—even miles outside of town. Have you experienced something similar?
- What does it look like, in both words and actions, when a Christian lets their light shine in the darkness?
- Do we ever feel tempted to hide our light? Why? How can we overcome that?
Closing Thoughts
Annalise (my 5 year old) will not sleep in her room at night without her “stars and moon” night light. Even though she knows she is safe in her room just across the hall from Mom and Dad, she does not want to be alone in the dark. But, that little light is enough to give her a sense of safety and security and let her fall asleep. Let’s be that for each other – and for those we don’t even know. Let’s shine a light for all to see, friends.
Blessings to you always,
Karen