“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16
I’m writing today to encourage you that the influence your walk with Christ has on others may be way more far reaching than you know. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christ follower will produce fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These traits are rare thus when they are experienced people take notice. Actively living out Christ’s attributes makes our little corner of the world more heaven like. Thus others experience God’s light and love through us as we walk according to His leading.
My faith was small when I first met my husband. However, watching him live his faith helped my faith to grow. When hard times came I would fall into hopelessness. He however had hope and peace, even in the hardest times. He trusted that God would move and move He did bringing provision, comfort, and power. Thus, as I watched my husband be faith-filled and God be faithful it shined a light into my life that brought change and growth. My faith grew and so did my peace and patience.
I know a beautiful woman of faith with the gentlest spirit. The kindness and goodness she spreads inspires. Seeing Christ’s work in her awakened deep within me a desire to walk in such gentleness. It allowed me to see meekness as strength, rather than weakness, and to aspire to the same level of self-control. The light of Christ in her shone brightly leading me to something new.
What does it mean to let your light shine? Let us envision for a moment a boat on a dark and stormy sea. The passengers fumble in the darkness not knowing which way to go. Suddenly in the distance they see a light. There is the promise of solid ground and that brings hope. As they draw near the light shines more brightly and leads them onto the shore where there is safety. Jesus is the lighthouse.
I have learned that when we walk in the Spirit the light of Christ in us burns brightly and that light leads others to seek Him. Let us never forget that God’s Spirit lives in us. You and I are meant to be beacons of light in this dark world. How will you bring light and love to those around you today?
Blessings - Pastor Sandra
Prayer:
Lord, You are light. In you there is no darkness. I ask you to lead me to your light. Let me see the beauty of your Spirit in your word, in your nature, in your people. Let that light be a spark that lights me on fire for you. Transform me. Grow me. Allow me to carry your light within and to shine that light into the lives of others bringing them into the warmth and hope that is life in you! I thank you for your work in me and for allowing me to be a part of your kingdom.
