“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
After a long winter, the windows in our homes need a good cleaning. This is a chore that takes time and effort. As we inspect our spiritual home this week, let us consider the windows.
We have heard this story, but it is worth repeating:
A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning, while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hang the wash outside.
That laundry is not very clean, she said, she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.
Her husband looked on but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: “Look! She has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.”
The husband said: “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows!”
Jesus said that we were to be the light of the world, that what is in our hearts should shine out for others to see. Windows serve two purposes: they bring sunlight into our homes, and they allow us to see what is going on outside.
As Jesus shines His love and grace into our hearts it should change our outlook on life and on others. It should fill us with compassion, love and mercy towards all that we meet. If we are not careful, we allow our own needs and concerns to take control of our hearts. We begin to look at others and see only their faults and failures. We forget that Jesus loves them and want us to love them too.
When others look at us do they see Jesus? Can they feel His love shining out from us and giving them a desire to know Him better?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is Spring-cleaning time, and we come to you with open hearts and minds. Cleanse the windows of our hearts so that your love and grace shines through for all to see.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
4 Comments
Very good! Yes we need to cleanse our spiritual eyes daily.
Thanks, Shirley, glad you enjoyed this. Hope you are doing well.
Cleanse the windows of my heart so that Your grace and love shows through!
Thank you, Fern