Shine It

I have two nephews who decided to go spelunking as part of a group. They had been in caves before so were looking forward to the adventure. This particular event included wading through water, crawling on your tummy, etc. They are guys who embrace fun and adventure. They decided proper attire for the event would be to dress entirely in white. I loved the before and after pictures! I’m sure some of the people in the group shook their heads in wonder, but others appreciated their mindset!

What is your most vivid memory of experiencing a dark place (cave, tunnel, power blackout, etc.)? What emotions accompanied the situation? Fear, dread, helplessness, other? These emotions might be an expected natural reaction to the unknown that lies ahead. But what if there before you on your path was a flame or beam of light illuminating the path?

Jesus wanted people to know and understand who He is, and one way He described Himself was as “the light of the world,” saying whoever follows Him “will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12).” I find that to be very comforting. Jesus is not saying that we will be free of difficult, sad, or scary times, but He is promising to be with us through them all. Thinking of Him as the light on your path, it makes sense to follow the light. This doesn’t mean Jesus is just a helpful tool to be used when necessary. Jesus is calling us to follow His lead.

Like Jesus shining His light on our path, He also calls us to be lights to the people around us. We don’t have to be blinding spotlights, but simple, yet effective bearers of Jesus’ light. We read in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." How do we, fragile as we sometimes feel, carry out this awesome responsibility? How do we be a light to those around us? Here are some suggestions of things that are already true for you but can be shaped to connect to what you believe.

• Embrace compassion: Like a beam of sunshine cutting through darkness, let kindness be your guiding principle. Offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and a word of encouragement to those who need it. Your compassion can cast light on their path.
• Practice forgiveness: Holding onto anger and resentment is like carrying a heavy load. Choose to forgive, not only for the sake of the other person, but for your own wellbeing and relationship with God.
• Use your words thoughtfully. Our words have the power to build or break, to tear down or build up. Choose to speak with honesty and integrity, but temper your words with kindness and understanding. A gentle lamp, like a word spoken in love, is more impactful than a harsh glare of accusation.

Above all remember, you are not alone. God has brought you into His family and calls you His son or daughter. Even when we feel in the dark, we are not. He is right there with us.

4832 Ponderings:
Shine. Say it. Define it. Think of a new way to live it. Embrace it.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).”
“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).”
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word (Psalm 119:114).”