What Happens When You Hide Your Light Under a Bushel?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)

A few years ago I read this passage from Matthew in an entirely new way.

Previously I'd just envisioned a basket being plopped on top, and the light being blocked. But for the first time I realized how ridiculous it would be to do what is described. Not simply because it would nullify the purpose of the lamp and waste a precious resource, but because it would be downright dangerous. What happens if you put a basket over a flame? Depending on the weave, the fire could go out. There might not be enough oxygen to keep it going. But if the flow of O2 is good the basket could easily catch fire. And the house, which should instead have been filled with light, could be destroyed. If your salt loses it's saltiness, it is thrown away. Trampled. Returned to dust. Lost. If your light is hidden under a bushel, your entire existence can be put in jeopardy. Turned to ash. Lost. So don't do it. Don't hide your light. Love. Dance in being. Add saltiness, and live.