In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. – Matthew 5:16
As believers, we are called to follow Jesus’ example, by being the light of the world, and to let our light shine before others that they may see our good deeds, glorifying our Father in Heaven…
How have we fallen short in this world? Are we being this light, and for all the world to see?
As humans, on this earth, and in living with this human condition, we don’t always focus on our spiritual nature, or in putting God first in our everyday walk.
We make mistakes. We have instances of this “worldly” behavior that we have trouble combatting. We can easily become carnally minded, and that is not a good thing.
Taking this Life for Granted
I have admittedly taken much of my life for granted, losing a lot of precious time, due to these bad choices. I’ve sweated the small stuff, turning molehills into mountains, and time and time again, let the sticks and stones of this world hurt me.
My hurts, my pains, allowed the seed of bitterness to set in. It wasn’t a matter of growing thicker skin, to help me cope with life’s many struggles. Instead, I had to learn to ask God to soften my heart, to keep this sin out. I had to ask for His forgiveness.
I prayed for a heart to feel, to understand, to consider what the other person was going through, and to become more relatable.
I’ve had to learn to appreciate the little things, the moments that are given, each and every day. I took the time to smell the roses, making time to watch the sunsets, learning to appreciate every rainbow, and all of God’s creation.
I had to count my blessings, one by one, understanding the value of each person. I do not measure my own life on a monetary scale anymore, because I do know we are far more valuable.
I know that with each new day that He gives me, I can choose to teach, and to learn, and to allow my heart to, truly, forgive those who have hurt me.
I’ve learned that it’s not about me, it is about Him. I want to be an example, in all matters of life, and especially for my children.
Psalm 1:3 says, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Learning As We Grow
I do see the value of each of the seasons of my life, good, bad, or indifferent, and the lessons they have taught me. Though, I do not always understand each season, as I’m going through it, I am more willing to learn.
Life circumstances can often distract us from staying plugged in to God’s Word. If we don’t stay connected to our power source, we will find ourselves lacking in many areas.
Trying to do “what is right” means to follow God’s standard, without regard to the actions of others, or the uncertainty of our own circumstance. Walking it out in faith is crucial.
We should always remember what Jesus went through, when suffering the injustices of this world, knowing that our suffering will never compare to His.
His Promise
In a world full of darkness, we’ve got to let our light shine continually. He is our example. We have to choose happiness, even in these times of adversity. We have to choose faith, even when the world is wavering.
We have to know that when we “choose” to follow Him, there will be suffering. The world will not always agree with our choices, but remember we are called to be separate from the world.
His promise is to give us life more abundantly. Letting go of the world, detaching from our worldly treasures, can and will be painful. But, staying on the right path, avoiding these unhealthy detours in life, and not being misguided or misdirected away from Him, is vitally important.
When we walk out these adversities, in faith, it will help others to do the same. It’s when we choose to follow Him, through these difficult circumstances, and in trusting Him for them, that our light will shine more brightly (for others).
John 8:12 reminds us, “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’.”
Do not give up on trying to do good for others, no matter what others may be doing… Hold fast to your own convictions, knowing that in doing so, you will reflect this LIGHT for ALL the world to see.🙌
