"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Niether do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16

More than anything, it is fear that keeps people from doing what God calls them to do.  Especially when it comes to being visible in front of people, fear has a tendency to keep us lost in the crowd.  We say we don't want to draw attention to ourselves.  We say we don't want to be different from others.  We let the "crazy ones" be the ones people watch... but this text challenges us about all that.  God has given you gifts to use for his purpose, and while it doesn't necessarily mean being in front of crowds speaking or performing, it does mean being seen by others for who you are.  There's no need to hide your true self.  It's the light that God gave uniquely to you.  Let it shine!

Readings: Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28