When someone says you should “shine your light,” what comes to mind?

-Helping someone in need?
-Talking about Jesus?
-Doing your best?

What about being honest about how dependent you are on God?

If he’s our Teacher, then it follows that we need teaching. If he’s our Healer, then it follows that we need healing. If he’s our Saviour, then it follows that we need saving. If he’s our Rock, then it follows that we need his strength.

As David sings in Psalm 18:2: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Talk about someone who is honest about how much he is dependent on God!

I realize that society values self-reliance, not God-dependence. But when we’re honest about how dependent we are on God, not only are we being sincere, but we’re (a) relating to others on the level of a universally shared human truth that none of us can do it alone, and (b) showing others that help and hope are available.

“If it wasn’t for God, I really couldn’t get through this.”
“Without Jesus, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”
“I really have to give all praise to God in this.”

None of us have it all together. Including me. If it wasn’t for God I’d be lying face down in a ditch somewhere. Literally. I’m not joking. But God is great!

What if “shining your light” was sometimes just as simple as admitting you need Someone else’s?

Be honest about how dependent you are on God.

By Matthew Ruttan

—This Sunday at Westminster in Barrie: We’ll explore Robber #2 who tries to steal your contentment by convincing you to put too much stock in (a) comparing yourself to others (in person or online) or (b) in the judgment or opinions of others. It’s Part 2 in our series called: “Contentment: Being at peace in a world of more more more.”

–“Fostering Faith – Christian parenting in an age of high-expectations.” That’s an article I wrote that was just published in Christian Courier magazine. You can read the online version here. Enjoy!

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday –  Friday) and returns on September 16.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.