"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither 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 5:13-16
What a strange picture for that verse, you say? Perhaps for you, but not for me. For most of my life, I have played the piano. It is a gift from God that I caught from my mom and was taught to me by a sweet lady from our church. It has been enjoyment. It has been therapy. It has been blessing.
But there have been times I have hidden this light . . . afraid that it didn't shine as brightly or as beautifully as someone else's. I'd see those lights and find mine pale and insignificant in comparison, rather like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree next to the Douglas fir at The White House.
But God was gracious to me nevertheless. He was patient and allowed me to see that my light was needed and the squandering of it was rooted in pride. He created my light to shine just the right color and intensity. It wasn't meant to glow for my glory, but for His. It is not a spotlight to direct others to me, but to Him. So, I let it shine now. Not perfectly. Not without mistakes. But hopefully, with praise.
So as you fill up with God's Word today, may you discover or rediscover your God-given gift to be shared . . . and let it shine.
*visit Lori at All You Have to Give for more Word-Filled inspiration.*
And if you're interested in a chance to win a good book, check out my giveaway, The Heart Mender.
And if you're interested in a chance to win a good book, check out my giveaway, The Heart Mender.
25 comments:
Interesting. I learned to play piano too (mom insisted)but I am not musically inclined and was always reluctant to play for others although I did get to the point where I got some enjoyment from it for myself. For awhile, I did play for Jr. church. I should really take some time each day to play it. It just takes up space in my computer room and provides something for my cat to walk on.
yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!
Those gifts that we've been given are to be shared with others to glorify God...This is just perfect! I've got to share this with my girls..they hear me preach this all the time and you just so eloquently put it into words!
Soooo beautiful! Praising HiM with our gifts for all the world to see!
Loving it!
peace,
lori
Love this post! Isn't it sad that we often are so quick to compare our gifts with someone else that we forget the real reason we're given them~ to glorify Him. My mom was/is a piano player too, but unfortunately I quit lessons after only a few years... I regret this, but I'm a vocalist, so I sing for Him whenever possible! have a great day!
I love this. It's true that we at times compare our gifts to others and some how deemed them as inadequate. Although God is the one who gave them to us and we know that He does all things well.
I am a singer more than a pianist and can relate to what you say.....I long to just be able to forget the comparisons. God made us...in all His creativity and we want to be better or worse than someone else when we do not really know fully who or what they are. One talent is only a part of who we are.....but is a joy when we give it to Him.
This is one of my favorite verses. I have it on my facebook page and have used it in many of my blogs and YouTube channel. I can relate to your words about the piano, I feel much the same way about singing. May God continue to bless you and your family.
sounds like me and my art! I have a hard time sharing it b/c i'm so worried it's never good enough.
hugs
My husband is a keyboard player so I "got" this post right away! Be blessed.
You just have no idea how much I needed to hear that today!!! Thank you so much!
I really love this post! It makes me wonder what God thinks when we shamefully hide away what He gifted us with, thinking it doesn't measure up - when all He wants us to do is boldy display it for all to see His creation.Great, thought provoking post! Makes me think of, "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the Lord."
I really love this post! It makes me wonder what God thinks when we shamefully hide away what He gifted us with, thinking it doesn't measure up - when all He wants us to do is boldy display it for all to see His creation.Great, thought provoking post! Makes me think of, "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the Lord."
My son and I have been signing Let it Shine lately. I only hope that I can teach him to always let it shine! Thanks for the post and for the reminder.
I love it! Shine with the talents God gives you, makes sense to me! Posts are like peeling an onion...one layer at a time, we see each other more clearly...I like thinking of your home filled with beautiful melodies from the piano :)
This is an excellent post - a reminder that God has given us all gifts to be used for His glory.
Thanks for the post.
Great post!
I think you are spot on!
Thanks for sharing ... you are a blessing!
Great thoughts!! Isn't it amazing that God WANTS to use us??? By the way, I'm a fellow pianist!! =)
Beautifully said.
I can relate to this post. I play the piano as well and was always afraid to share it for God's Glory.
So true! God gives us each different gifts both large and small. We shouldn't hide them! Let's remember that even a little light will shine brightly in the dark...
Beautiful thoughts! Play on, maestro! :~D
Oh how creative and beautiful!!
I'd love to hear you play!
Blessings to you♥
Great post...wise words...now this little light of mine is playing in my mind....
As someone who sings, I can completely relate. I went through a period of "hiding" and it was miserable but necessary. I was always one to believe that if I wasn't right with God that i wasn't going to just get up there and put on a show, so to speak!
A desert experience for sure, but I praise God for His faithfulness in getting me through that time!
Thanks for sharing!
Wow. I have been considering taking piano lessons. I took lessons briefly as a child but only recently has God laid on my heart to take lessons again. I have played the flute since I was 10yo (25 years!)... so I know about music and reading notes and even piddle quite a bit at home, playing simple hymns and easy classical snippets.
But guess what has been holding me back from signing up for lessons again? Yup, MY PRIDE. Of having to subject myself to a teacher, a position that is usually mine (flute, homeschool, sunday school). I would have to receive correction, especially for the bad habits that I have learned from being self-taught. Yikes.
But you are right. It is a gift and a light. I know God wants me to do it for some purpose down the road. I need to be ready. And I need to let my pride go.
I'm going to sign up for lessons next week. From the music school owner's wife. She's asian too, which scares me!
Post a Comment