Mark 4:21 “And He was saying to them, ‘A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?’”

What a perfect verse to share with our kids! This is a verse that is so easily played out with your children. Go into a room with a lamp and a basket (or something else) that will cover the lamp. Turn on the lamp and then turn off the room light. Now cover the lamp with the basket. They will see very quickly how dark the room gets with the lamp not being allowed to shine its light. Even if a little of the light shines through, they will get the message.

Now tell them how the light of Jesus in our lives needs to shine so others can see it. We need to let it shine brightly. We do NOT need to hide our light. Not only is it easier to see in a well lit room, but it may prevent someone from stumbling. Our “Jesus light” can also help someone in a dark world and perhaps keep them from stumbling.

After you have done this with your child, the hard part begins. YOU have to live it. YOU must let YOUR light shine. Your child needs to see YOU shining YOUR light in dark places. When you are in the store and someone is not kind to you, let your light shine. When you are in traffic and someone cuts you off, let your light shine. When you see someone asking for help, let your light shine.

You see, roleplaying is one thing, living it is so much more! Now go shine your light!