“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).
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Remember this song? Many of us sang this in the choir when we were children or witnessed our own children sing this well-known hymn. As you already know, the light this song refers to is the light of Christ.
As Christians, we have a high calling that sometimes seems unattainable. We’re called to live as Jesus lived and to have His same attitude. To develop His character and let His light shine from within us — a tall order when we’re going through a tough time, when we’re in a bad mood, or in the heat of conflict with a loved one, friend, or coworker.
But believe it or not, it’s during these challenging times when we have an amazing opportunity to exude Christ-like character. We can speak kindly when someone is rude to us. We can show mercy when someone steals from us or deeply hurts us. We can pray for someone who threatens us, abuses us, slanders us, or undermines us.
Just the other day, by God’s grace, I slipped away to a quiet place to pray instead of raising my voice with hands on hips to scold someone for spewing hurtful words that weren’t warranted. And it made a world of difference.
God answered my prayers that very evening, and He continues to do so at this writing.
When we choose to do things God’s way, He intervenes and the enemy flees. As we mature in Christ and ask to be filled afresh with His Holy Spirit each day, we realize that He is on the throne and in full control of all that concerns us. And knowing this makes it easier to respond God’s way in difficult situations when our flesh wants to take over and ruin the outcome. My prayer is that God will continue to give us the desire and power to walk in the Spirit and not according to our flesh, so that we will be blessed in all we do. May your light shine!
'This little light of mine' - not to be hidden under a bushel. Great thoughts Judy.
ReplyDeleteAndie
Thank you for encouraging me to let God continually have the reigns. When we allow Him to have control and follow His way of doing things, we can be assured that the outcome will have His stamp of approval for us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you today.
Katherine.
I always loved that song as a child - I still do. Remembering the line: "Won't let Satan "whoosh" it out..."
ReplyDeleteAllowing the Spirit to guide us, to change us, is the only way to keep the light shining. He gives us the power to keep the enemy's darkness away.
Thanks for a great word, Judy!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Judith -
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. You are so right it is vitally important for us to do as led by the Spirit. It is all about Him....
Hi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI've just been enjoying my coffee and looking at your blog posts...you do great work! Thank you for your suggestion of joining the folks at Scripture and a Snapshot. Lately, I have felt I have been spending too much time on the computer. When I join in new groups, I feel like I should take the time to thank people who stop by and leave comments, and also view their work too. I have sort of pulled back from that to curb my computer time. I have about 20 blog friends (you included) that I try to look at each week. For now, that is enjoyable. We will start working in our fields again as soon as the snow melts...our busy season. Anyway, thank you for thinking of my photos....such a fun hobby isn't it? Have a great day!