10/20/11

Hidden?


I am told that there are cities like this throughout Israel; I really don't know if it is true, but this one sure does stand out!  People, like cities, can be commonplace or noteworthy.  Some you notice and some, well, they just sort of blend into the background.  Which leads me to this familiar passage from the Bible.

Matthew 5:1-16 (WEB)
1) Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2) He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5) Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
10) Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ​
11) “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12) Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13) “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
14) You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15) Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16) Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Going through high school and most of the jobs I have had were similar in that I was part of a system.  Just one cog in the mighty wheel that formed the organization.  Most people do just not "stand out".  They are run-of-the-mill human beings, that all do the same things and think the same way.  Boring!!!  Jesus teaches that there is a better way; one that has a wonderful state of being that lives each moment with the one who created it.  This life shines!!!  This life is different!!!  This life is worth living!!!  This life glorifies God!!!  We all have twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to live, so why not live it to its fullest, the way God wants us to.  When we do this, we will shine, people will notice us and wonder why we are the way we are.  Some things can't (and shouldn't) be hidden.  Are you one of them?