(published in The Secret Place: Devotions for Daily Worship, Spring 2020 & the October 2023 Bethel Beacon, newsletter of Salix Bethel United Methodist Church)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Before getting braces, I had a front tooth that stuck out a bit and overlapped another tooth. I remember feeling quite self-conscious about it. I certainly didn’t feel any better when little kids unabashedly reached out to touch my tooth. This happened frequently since I’m 4’1” and at their level and because young children lack inhibitions. They evidently couldn’t resist reaching out and touching this fascinating object (my crooked tooth). I have always loved kids so I actually found humor in this situation.
I have been thinking, though, that it would be great if there was something about our walk with God that stood out and shown so brightly that others would gather close to us in order to find out what that something was. If only the love of God shone through us so intensely and brightly that others would want to identify the source and as a result would meet Jesus face to face right then and there.
How can I shine for Jesus? By reading His Word and obeying it, praying to Him and seeking His guidance, loving and serving others, accepting and daily living out all He has to offer us.
Are you standing out and shining for Jesus? Are you pointing others to Christ by radiating His love, joy, peace, and hope?
PRAYER:
Illuminating God, I want to glorify you. Please let my life radiate so brightly with Your loving presence that others want to find the peace, joy, and hope that comes only through knowing You. Amen.
