July 21, 2015 - along the Way ...

Over the past few weeks our local neighborhood has been terrorized by a handful of young men.   They have been tagging property, stealing things from inside cars, breaking and entering, and generally causing havoc.

Recently, three of the perpetrators were arrested and brought to justice through a partnership between a community member and our police department.   Since these young men have been brought to justice, there has been less terrorism in our community, which got me to thinking ... if a handful of young men can terrorize a neighborhood, what can a handful of people to do build up their community?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16,

"You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds,

and glorify your Father in heaven."

Jesus says, "You are the light of the world."  Elsewhere, He claims, "I am the light of the world ..." (John 8:12)  So Jesus, who is THE light of the world, says to us, "you are THE light of the world."

Since we are the body of Christ now on earth, our calling is to be like Jesus bringing light to dark places.  As we do, Jesus tells us people will see what we do, and in turn they will glorify God, our Father.

Therefore, if a handful of Christ followers, and those who agree to partner with us, can bring light, doing good deeds, encouraging people, helping those in need, and working with young people to show them a better path, we can make a huge difference and make our community flourish.  

So what about you?  Are you willing to shine your light, and do some good deeds?

If so, we can make a real difference in our neighborhoods and communities as we journey together ... along the Way!