In our last entry (“Break In”) we addressed the recent burglary perpetrated in our church building. Someone came in and stole a few electronic devices and broke a window. What I forgot to mention was that this criminal also removed the air conditioner unit from the pastor’s office window.
That was actually the first thing I noticed when I arrived at church the next Sunday morning. The office was actually a little bit warmer and much brighter than ever before. By removing the AC unit, the thieves have actually removed that which was blocking the sunlight.
As I reflect on this incident, I realize that our lives are like my office window sometimes. We are the children of light, but our hearts and minds are cluttered with the things and cares of this world. This is how I feel every day at the end of the school day. My mind is filled with many divergent thoughts and my heart is far away from my Lord.
We must learn to submit to the pruning of the Lord. He will remove the “dead branches” of doubts, guilt, anxiety, sin and unfaithfulness. This process is painful, but oh, so necessary. The pruning or cleansing is done by the Word of God (John 15:1-3).
As those branches are removed, the light of the Son of God can reach our minds and hearts, and it will shine through us. Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
