Dear Church Family,

Recently, I have been reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14: “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

A few Sundays ago, my husband and I were out to lunch and were chatting with one of the servers that we have grown fond of. We noted that Sundays always seemed to be crowded. He said that they (the servers) reasoned that a lot of people came in after church for lunch so they call them the “church people.” He added that these customers could be rude and impatient. We laughingly reminded him that not all church people were like that because we weren’t! He agreed . . . but the criticism of my brothers and sisters still stung.

I realize that my server-friend had made a sweeping generalization about church people, but I found myself thinking about the times I can be rude and impatient: while driving, standing in line, when my food is slow in being served – and the list goes on and on. I was reminded that it is my choice as to how I react to these situations and that my ‘dark’ reactions cast shadows on the light I should be projecting.

I’m reminding myself – but maybe I’m reminding you as well – to consider our actions in light of the witness we are to others.