How will anyone see if you don't shine your light?

I teach a Sunday School class at my church. Well, using the word teach is a stretch. I facilitate a Sunday School class at my church. The class is for high school youth. Basically I pick a song every week and prepare a handout that has the artist name, album name, song title, album cover art, and lyrics. Typically I pick a Christian alternative rock song, but not always. Not always alternative rock, and not always Christian (as labeled by the music industry). This week, as I was going through some of my new CDs trying to pick a song, I listened to the song "Are You Real" by KJ-52 from his new album Behind the Musik. Yes, I know, it's hip-hop. But my main motivation for doing this class is to connect with the youth. Listen to the styles of music they are listening to, and relating to them on their level. So, I'm listening to hip-hop. And actually, this song isn't that bad. It even features the singer from one of my favorite bands, Kutless.


As I listen to this song, something struck me hard. In the last verse (is it even called a verse in hip-hop?), there were the following lines:

they're too worried about what people thinking of they life
how can you fight if you won't lay down your pride
and how will anyone see if you won't shine your light
so many of your friends is walking around blind
and you've got the source that can open up their eyes.

Ouch. I knew I'd been feeling a little far away from God lately, but that really hit home. It's time to get back to shining my light.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

Or, from a translation I prefer most of the time:

Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (The Message)