The Oak Ridge Boys - This Little Light of Mine Lyrics

This Little Light of Mine Video

This Little Light of Mine Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

This Little Light of Mine by The Oak Ridge Boys is a powerful Christian gospel song that has been sung and loved by people all over the world. With its catchy tune and inspiring lyrics, the song encourages believers to let their light shine brightly in the darkness and to spread the love and message of Jesus Christ.

Key Messages of the Song

The song begins with the repeated line, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." This line sets the tone for the entire song and emphasizes the importance of shining our light in the world. It reminds us that as Christians, we have a light within us, which is the light of Jesus Christ, and we should not hide it but let it shine for all to see.

The next lines of the song further reinforce this message by repeating the line, "Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." This repetition emphasizes the need to continuously let our light shine and not allow anything to dim its brightness. It urges believers to be bold and unashamed in sharing their faith with others.

In the second verse of the song, the key message shifts to the power of love and how it can overcome darkness. The lyrics state, "The light that shines is the light of love, Lights the darkness from above." This line reminds us that the light within us is the love of God, and it has the power to dispel darkness and bring hope and healing to those who are lost and hurting.

The following lines highlight the personal impact of this love, stating, "It shines on me and it shines on you, And shows what the power of love can do." Here, the song emphasizes that the love of God is not limited or exclusive but is available to all who open their hearts to receive it. It is a transformative love that can change lives and bring about positive change in the world.

Meaning and Inspiration of the Song

The song "This Little Light of Mine" has its roots in the African-American spiritual tradition. It is believed to have originated as a children's song during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The song was often sung during protests and rallies as a symbol of hope and defiance against injustice.

The lyrics of the song reflect the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference and bring about positive change in the world. It encourages believers to rise above fear and opposition and to let their light shine brightly, even in the face of adversity.

The inspiration for the song likely comes from the biblical teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells his disciples, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage emphasizes the importance of believers being a light in the world and using their actions to bring glory to God.

Is the Song Biblical?

The song "This Little Light of Mine" aligns with biblical teachings and can be seen as a reflection of the call to be a light in the world. The key messages of the song, such as letting our light shine, spreading the love of God, and making a positive impact, are consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The concept of letting our light shine is directly derived from the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16, as mentioned earlier. Similarly, the emphasis on the power of love aligns with numerous biblical passages that highlight the transformative and redemptive nature of God's love.

One could argue that the song also encourages believers to be bold and unashamed in their faith, which is reflected in passages like Romans 1:16, where the Apostle Paul states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."

Critically Analyzing the Song

While "This Little Light of Mine" is a beloved and inspiring song, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and ensure that its message aligns with the broader teachings of the Bible.

One potential criticism is that the song may be interpreted as encouraging a self-centered or individualistic approach to faith. The repeated use of the word "I" in the lyrics could be seen as emphasizing personal righteousness or self-promotion rather than focusing on the glory of God.

However, when examined in the context of the broader biblical message, it becomes clear that the song is calling believers to let their light shine for the purpose of bringing glory to God and sharing His love with others. It is not about personal fame or recognition but about being a vessel for God's light and love to shine through.

Overall, "This Little Light of Mine" is a powerful and uplifting song that encourages believers to let their light shine brightly in the world. Its key messages of spreading love, making a positive impact, and being unashamed in our faith align with biblical teachings and serve as a reminder of our calling as Christians to be a light in the darkness.