"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 lampstand, 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." (MT 5:14-16)
Many years ago, a gospel preacher accepted an invitation to preach for a church in Houston, Texas. After arriving, he typically rode a city bus from his home neighborhood to downtown Houston. One day, upon taking his seat on the bus, he discovered that the driver had given him a quarter too much in change.
He initially thought, "I should return the quarter. After all, it would not be right to keep it, even if it is only 25 cents." Then he thought, "But why worry about a quarter? The bus company probably gets too much fare as it is, and the driver has enough on his mind without me trying to explain why I am returning a mere quarter. Just keep it."
But when it came time for the preacher to exit the bus, he paused at the door, reached into his pocket and handed the quarter back to the driver. "Here", he said, "You gave me too much change when I got on your bus today."
The driver, exhibiting a broad smile, replied, "Aren’t you the new preacher that moved to town recently?"
"That's correct", the preacher replied.
"Well, I've been giving thought to getting back in church. I overheard someone mention that you are a preacher, so today I thought I would see what you would do if I gave you too much change. So…I plan to see you at church this Sunday!"
When the astonished minister stepped off of the bus, he purportedly grabbed the nearest light pole, held on a few moments and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
________________________________________________________________________
This story vividly illustrates the idea that our lives may be the only Bible some people will ever read. Who knows who might be carefully observing our actions today? May God grant us the determination to be a light for Jesus to everyone, everyday!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis