HAS THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD BLOWN OUT YOUR LIGHT?

SCRIPTURE:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your 
good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”  
(Matthew 5:16)

MEDITATION:
When we were children our parents had great concerns 
about how we looked and how we acted outside the house.
Although it probably irritated us at the time, when we grew older, 
we understood their reasons. 

They knew that what others observed in us 
was a reflection on them and how they were raising us.
We could jeopardize the opinions others would have of our parents.
If we adversely affected their opinions too much, 
they may not even want to associate with our parents.

If the gossip network notified enough people, 
then those who were thinking about getting to know our parents 
could change their mind – based on our actions.

Get the picture?
It’s the same with our Heavenly Father, isn’t it?
The way we act and the things we say 
can impact other people’s opinions of Him.

We could cause those who do not know Him, 
to never have a desire to know Him.
Now the scripture in Matthew 5:16 makes sense, doesn’t it?

We are God’s agents and consequently we have the opportunity 
to stimulate the interest of others to know more about Him, 
or drive them away from Him - maybe permanently.
Knowing that we could cause someone to miss out on heaven 
is a burden none of us would want to carry.

Every believer has been given a ‘light’ from God for us to shine before others.
Shining our light is confirmation of our faith and makes us His witnesses.
Our ‘light’ is not to be hidden for fear of misrepresenting our Father, 
but it is a light of faith and hope that we should want others to see in us.
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. 
(Matthew 5:14-15)

ACTION:
How is your light “so shining”?
Are you creating a desire in others to know your Heavenly Father better,
or do your actions and words cause them to be disinterested?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a light to shine. Without 
the salvation that You have given me, I would have no light. Help me 
to shine my light in such a way that others will have a desire to know 
more about You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me if I have been 
negligent in shining the light You have given me. Show me the changes 
I need to make so that my light not only shines, but it shines in such a 
way that it will glorify You. You are One Who matters the most in my 
life – teach me how to communicate that to others. Prepare me to be 
ready to tell others about Your love.”