The Living Room Was Never Used

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill can not be hid. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before all that they may see your good work and give glory to your God, who is in heaven.”

~ Matthew 5:14-16

In Junior High, I was invited to a friend’s house for a sleepover. We were not allowed in the house except to use the bathroom. His parents pitched a tent in the backyard so that we would not mess up the house. Just before bed, we went to the bathroom and noticed that all the furniture in the living room was covered with plastic sheets. I asked why do you keep your sofa and love seat covered with plastic? My friend replied that his mom only uses the furniture when special guests come to visit. How often do you have company? He replied once or twice a year.

I had often wondered why they even had a “living room” when nobody was allowed to live there. Why would you have comfortable furniture if nobody sits in it and you can’t gather to watch television or play a game together?

When I was growing up, our living room was where we gathered for family talks, watched television, played games like charades, put up a Christmas tree, and entertained family and friends. We wore out sofas, carpets, and easy chairs. We lived in our living room.

Just as I wonder why some never use living rooms, I wonder why we cover up our faith and our church buildings. Jesus said, You are the light world. Why would we want to keep our faith and sanctuary for a few select people. Yes, it is time to uncover our faith and open our sanctuaries to all people. For example, when children are restless during church – making noise and struggling to sit still – let us not stare and ask them to leave, let us go to them with a coloring book and encourage them to color or take a small white board and play tic-tac-toe while we listen to the sermon.

When the doors of our church stay locked Monday through Saturday our light does not shine. Maybe it is time for the lights of the church to shine seven days a week not just for one hour on Sunday morning. Let’s open our doors for community meals, community game night or movie night, a monthly mid-day senior meal, or morning coffee break. It is time we find creative ways to use our space so the light of Jesus will shine throughout out our community.

Let the light of Jesus shine all around our neighborhood.

Let our light shine as we open the doors of our church and hearts to people of all ages in our community and world.