My family has had our Christmas tree for several years. It is a fake tree with tons and tons of lights. This past week I noticed that a bottom section of the lights are off. It reminded me of a time about a year ago when my youth group set up the Christmas tree in the youth room at my church. Lots of patches of light were burnt out and we spent a while twisting different lights and watching a patch of lights pop on. We re-lit the majority of the lights that were out through that process.

One light being out caused the others to follow suit. The effect was clearly seen by everyone. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus proclaims "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Light is noticed. God has intentionally placed each of us where we are, for the purpose of shining for Him. When we choose not to, it does not only effect us.

First Corinthians 12:14 tells us "So the body is not one part but many." That entire chapter details what it looks like for us to be a part of the body of Christ. Each person has their own function that helps progress His kingdom. Our decision to not be a light to those around us cripples the entire body of Christ. One person gossiping to a friend or stirring up anger in someone brings down those who are closest to them by tempting them to do the same. As we distract other believers from what our goal is, we begin to set off a domino effect that dims the light we give out.

Living for God was never something we were meant to do on our own, that is why God takes His church so seriously. We have to be intentional about lifting up other Christians and working together to spread His kingdom.

Just like we can tell when lights are out on a Christmas tree, the world can see when Christians are not doing what they were created to do. We leave an absence of light that is not necessary. Lets work together as we were created to do and help our siblings in Christ be lights to this world.