Read
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Reflect
How far away do you think you could see a candle at night?
One mile? Two? Five? Ten?
The truth is, that on a flat surface, in pitch darkness you could see the flickering of a single candle as far away as 30 miles. That’s an amazing distance, but it shows that light truly does defeat darkness.
Jesus was saying the same thing in the Sermon on the Mount. He told His followers that lights placed in full view of others will help illuminate the darkness. And He encouraged us to shine a light in our lives to give honor and glory to God.
You might ask what that light looks like. It’s a good attitude, even when things are going poorly. It’s doing good deeds for others, but not taking the credit yourself. It’s speaking in good and decent language, without resorting to coarse and rude words. It’s sharing your testimony of what the Lord has done in your life when you have the opportunity to do so.
Your entire life can be a light to others, but only if you live it in a way that honors God. Even without preaching the Gospel, you can draw others to Him simply by allowing His light and life to flow through you.
Today, pray about the light the Lord wants you to shine. Ask Him to help you continually shine His light in your life, and pray for opportunities to bring His light into dark places.
Reflection copyright © 2022 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
