It was Easter, 1945 in Reims, France when Tom Allan found himself walking the ruins of the city while serving for the Royal Air Force in World War II. He had left his divinity studies in Glasgow and volunteered for the RAF alongside his countrymen. The war, with all of the destruction and death that came with it, had left him doubting his once strong faith and feeling lost.
Then, sitting in an Easter Day service, a soldier stood up and started singing, "Were You There When They Crucified my Lord?" The sincerity and power in the young man's voice melted Allan's doubt and convicted him to set his life on a new path. He went on to be one of Scotland's most impactful preachers, authors, and broadcasters of his time.
"You are the light of the world- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)
It's amazing the impact we can have when we embrace the goodness and value that God has placed within each of us and called us to deploy for the benefit of others. Jesus went on to say, that not only are we the light of the world, but He called us to let that light shine before men so that they may see our good works and be moved in such a way that they thank God for them. That's quite an ask...but He wouldn't ask it if He didn't equip you for it.
Too often we shy away from the belief that we have something to offer. Mortgage knowledge, encouragement, faith, leadership, generosity, a helping hand, care, advice, empathy...you name it. Unique abilities waiting to be transformative. We lack conviction, belief, or courage to let our light shine bright enough for others to see. Someone is waiting for you to stand in the midst of the rubble and the ruins and start singing with sincerity and conviction. It may be in your home, with a client, in your community, or with a co-worker. The value you bring is real. Believe it, let it shine, and let others experience your good deeds and be moved by them.
When I read this story and the lyrics of the old hymn, I was immediately brought to a song from the late '80s by U2 and B.B. King, "When Love Comes to Town". In a wonderful blues style, they tell the story of how Love transformed a life. For decades it has been a song that reminded me that Jesus is love, even back when I didn't know it was true. In an answer to the old hymn that transformed Tom Allan’s life, B.B.King closes the song with:
I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side,
But I've seen love conquer the great divide.
I'm thankful they stood up and sang with such conviction that this lost soldier took notice and started moving in a new direction.
Don't hide your light, let it shine so bright that Love can’t help but follow.