August 24 | Matthew 5:13-16; Galatians 5:13

Elaine Pierce
Aug 24, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Light Up!

By Elaine Pierce

We just moved to a new house (new to us - it will be 100 years old next year!). The previous owners installed solar lights on the staircase - as it gets dark, the lights activate and brighten your path as you walk up the stairs. We've lived here about 2 months, and I find myself smiling everytime I walk up the steps at night, enjoying the light they bring to my short journey. Yes, it's dark, but I won't stumble and fall or lose my way.

I don't need the solar lights during the day, but they are ready to work when night falls. Indoor solar lights are battery operated. Outdoor solar lights rely on the sun to charge them. They store up the sunlight and then they light up when the sun is gone. They are ready to work when they are needed.

We've got the light of Christ, and he's asked us to let our light shine. What is the purpose of our light? Jesus makes it crystal clear:

You are the light of the world.....In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:18.

My solar lights are doing what they were made to do: providing light when it is needed. We are created to do good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. I wish it was as easy as plugging in my battery and getting to work! So often my own agenda - my personal peace and happiness - takes center stage, and I fail to shine my light for others to see God's glory.

We'll all have opportunities this week to practice sharing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Let's encourage one another to love and good works, and let's give the glory to God. Yes, let's turn on the light of his truth for all to see.

PRAYER

Lord, so often I hide my light under a bushel. Or I fail to even turn it on. Help me this day and every day to let my light shine so that others will fall down and worship you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!