I recently read an article that was all about buying a red purse. No, it wasn?t in a fashion magazine. The woman described how, as she bought it, she ridiculed herself ? ?You?ll never have the courage to use it!? her interior voice said. And sure enough, the purse sat in the shopping bag for a long time. But then one day the woman took it out and looked at it. She really liked that purse. Why was she so afraid to use it? She concluded that she was afraid of calling attention to herself, afraid that people would think she was too outlandish, that she was showing off. But she just liked the purse. So she determined to use it. Her conclusion was that life was too short to live it by other people?s opinions. She wanted to be who she was, not who other people wanted her to be. I think we can all identify.

I have an orange sweater in my closet. I liked it instantly when I took it off the rack in the shop, but I?ve never worn it. It?s very bright. Too bright for a Canadian winter. Have you noticed how we all wear dark browns, blues, greens and black through the winter? That became strongly apparent to me when we arrived home from Papua New Guinea in the middle of December a few years ago. I had gotten used to all the tropical colours ? vibrant reds, purples, oranges ? and groaned at the lack of colour here. But what was the first thing I bought? A dark green winter coat! I think it?s the chameleon syndrome. We all want to blend in. None of us wants to stand out. The implications are too scary. What would people think? We fear rejection and the disapproval of those around us.

But God created us to be who we are. And life is too short to hide. Life is too short for a lot of things ? bickering and petty name-calling; holding grudges; hiding our gifts and talents under a fa?ade of silence; hiding the most precious gift of God?s love and mercy from those around us who so desperately need it.

The apostle Matthew exhorted those around him to step out boldly and display the gift. ?You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven? (Matthew 5:14-16).

As we move into 2006 may we all be who we really are ? sons and daughters of a most High God who has given us a great gift to share. Sons and daughters who are indeed, the light of the world.

Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada.  Her devotional book, The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others.  To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Copyright Marcia Lee Laycock, 2000, 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006