Is Your Light Shining?
READ: Matthew 5:13-17
Theresa and Tammy both went to middle school together. They both went to the same church together and attended the youth group every Sunday. Both of these girls loved God dearly and had very strong faiths. They knew that when they died, they would be in heaven with God. They fit in well with the others at school and they didn’t seem to have any problems. The thing is - no one at their school knew they were Christians. They were afraid that if people were to find out that they were Christians, they wouldn’t want to be friends with them.
This is a common problem with many Christians today. God says in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We shouldn’t be afraid of letting our light shine. It is God’s will that we let it shine. He also says in verses 14 and 15, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.” How can people know that we are Christians if we don’t let our light shine by our actions? It is because of the Holy Spirit working faith in us, knowing that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us and give us eternal life, that we are able to let our light shine. It is so important that people know the source of your light.
Don’t be afraid to let your light shine. It is God’s will. Let your light shine by your actions in loving response to God’s love for us.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Have you let your light shine today? When was the last time you went out of your way to let your light shine? Can you remember a time when you could have let your light shine, but were afraid to?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask for courage to let your light shine to others you know or to others you don’t know. Pray for the strength to let others know about Jesus by your actions.