Be A Light for the World to See
Every day we wake up thinking we know what is going to happen. The fact is, we don’t know what will happen in an hour’s time, let alone a week, a month or a year. Life is precious and fragile, and the people God places in our path are there for a reason. Over the past few months through the various hardships of hurricanes, fires, and the Las Vegas shooting we have heard the numerous stories of where a person was there at the right place and the right time.
God has placed each of us on a journey. Sometimes the journey is filled with great sorrow and pain, and other times it is filled with overwhelming joy. There are both sad and joyful tears. Sometimes life doesn’t make any sense to us, and then there are moments of such clarity they seem as if they were always meant to be. The one thing that is central to it all is the people in our lives and those we come in contact with on a daily basis.
Life isn’t always happy or problem free, but it is meant to be lived. Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned about life and the power of love were going through difficult times. We were created to love one another. There is always a risk when we choose to love, but it is a risk worth taking. Each of us can have our own opinions, and it doesn’t mean we are right or wrong. We can agree to disagree, but if we don’t demonstrate love we rob others, ourselves and God of life’s most precious gift. Yes, there will be hurt in the process, but think about every time we have hurt God, and God has never wavered in His love for you and I. Every time we choose to love, God wins and so do we.
In all of our imperfections, God has never said we weren’t worth the cost of the cross. God doesn’t need perfection, God desires you!
We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world. We have to die daily to ourselves so Christ can become more and we can become less. The world is in a chaotic state, but we don’t have to be. The things this world has to offer will never bring you peace because we are fighting the principalities of darkness until Jesus returns and the enemy and his followers are forever banished. Each of us has a job to do, and this is why it is important to shine your light.
Earlier this year we attended a Lights Festival to celebrate a birthday, and every person was given a lantern to light and launch into the sky. It was an amazing experience, knowing each lantern represented a person and seeing the beauty of what we can do when our lights shine together. (Don’t mind my chatter in the background)
I love how The Message interprets Matthew 5:14-16
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. 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.”
As children of God, we aren’t here on this earth for ourselves, but for everyone else and to give God glory. We receive the blessing daily of knowing we have the ability and promise of giving the hope and encouragement of Christ to every life God places within our sphere of influence.
The world needs to see God’s light more than ever. We have the ability to share our light more and farther than we have ever been able to because of the technology we use on a daily basis.
It is time to “Own It” because sharing faith takes action. Personal action equals ownership. One light can brighten a path, but many lights will illuminate the darkest of places, and nothing can hide or lurk in the darkness.
Will you join me in lighting up the world? We all know someone who is in need of some love, hope, and encouragement. Text, e-mail or call someone and tell them this message. Share this message on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media.
God has never said you weren't worth the cost of the cross. You are loved! #BeALight Share on XGod has never said you weren’t worth the cost of the cross. You are loved! #BeALight
In a world that thrives on bad news lets share the “Good News!” Let’s share this message of God’s love and be light-bearers to a world that needs to see the light, love, hope, and compassion of Christ in all of us. Show the world your God colors!
Right on, sister!
Hi, Peggy!
You would have loved this! There is another part of the story I will have to tell you when I see you again. I miss and love you! I pray all is well!
How beautiful! Just seeing all those lights in the midst of darkness makes us more aware of the light we need to be!
Hi, Kristi!
I agree being there was such an example to me about the importance of being the light. It was a very diverse crowd and really demonstrated what heaven will be like because each light represented someone. You could hear different languages around you and people of all ages enjoying this special moment.
Wow. This spoke to my heart. Sheila, I bet you and I could be great friends! Yes, it’s time that we as believers OWN IT and decide to #bealight. And as the little song goes, don’t hide it under a bushel, but I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine….
Hi, Alicia!
I know we could be great friends! I love the name of your blog. It is true, what a difference a day can make. Your pictures are stunning and I love your writing. I read your story about sweet Maggie. She is absolutely precious! Her smile is a light to the world. I have added her to my prayer journal. I believe God will continue to heal and use her in great ways!
Having a good attitude and being the “light” so speak is infectious… and you never know who you come across through the day that needs a little bit of that in their life!
Hi, Amber! I agree being the “light” is infectious! We all need His light to guide us through every day. Sometimes, we need to be the light and other times we need to see the light. Thank You for sharing!
Thar video is amazing! Gave me the chills. God is so good :). I know times have been so tough, but God is bigger and He has a bigger plan for us than here and now.
Hi, JJ! I could not agree with you more! Our God is bigger than the box many people try to put Him in and limit His capabilities by placing human standards upon Him. He has so much more for us! We have a supernatural God who can do anything! I had chills the night of the event too! It was amazing!
Amen! Such a beautiful message to spread! Thank you for being a light and encouraging others to do the same!
Hi, Amanda! Thank You for your words of encouragement! The world can be a dark place, but I am so thankful that Jesus is truly the light which shines everywhere. I’m thankful for the life application lessons He teaches each of us on a daily basis if we take the time to look. Blessings to you!
I’ve always wanted to go to one of those lantern festivals; they are so beautiful! Yes, we need to shine the light of Christ’s love into people’s lives around us.
Hi, Susan! You must try to go! I know you love to travel and I love reading about your experiences. It was a beautiful experience and one I will never forget!
God calls us to be a light in the midst of a whole lot of darkness in the world!
Hi, Andrea!
Yes, God calls us to be that light and what an opportunity each of us has to be the light for Christ! Thanks for always letting your light shine my friend!
I love this post! I love what you wrote, “Life isn’t always happy or problem free, but it is meant to be lived.” Indeed it is! We are all called to shine our lights in this dark weary land.
Hi, Keisha! Thank You for your encouraging words. The world may be dark, but when the light of Christ shines through each of us His light changes everything.
In a world that thrives on bad news lets share the “Good News!” This is so true! And because the world is so focused on the negative and the bad, when we choose to be the light and show love and kindness it is a stark contrast! It becomes unavoidable to notice. We then get to express how we are able to be positive! Thank you for the read. God Bless!
Hi, Melissa! I love what you wrote, “It becomes unavoidable to notice.” I agree when we walk in the light of Christ people are attracted not by anything we do, but what He is doing through us. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. Many blessings to you!
What a nice read. Thanks for this. My day gets better.
Hi, Zuzana! Thank You for reading my post and my prayer is today you can #BeALight wherever you go! Blessings!
Absolutely love this! I totally agree with you when you say life is meant for living. Today is my last day at my corporate job as I was just soo unhappy and I am now taking the plunge to actually get into something I enjoy! Life is too short to waste time on meaningless things that don’t light up our souls. Thank you for sharing.
Hi, Kiarna!
Thank You for reading my post and Congratulations on doing what you love! When our light is shining we feel empowered, don’t we? What are you plunging into?
Love this! “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” No matter how dark the circumstances, our light can always make a difference. Great post!
Hi, Alicia!
You are right! Our light can always make a difference for someone that we may not even realize is struggling in the darkness! Thanks for sharing!