Let Our Light Shine

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 9:19 am Post subject: Let Our Light Shine

Let Our Light Shine

Scripture:

Deal your bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harborless into your house: when you shall see one naked, cover him, and despise not your own flesh. Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall speedily arise, and your justice shall go before your face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather you up. Then shall you call, and the Lord shall hear: you shall cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If you will take away the chain out of the midst of you, and cease to stretch out the finger, and to speak that which profits not. When you shall pour out your soul to the hungry, and shall satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall your light rise up in darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.(Isaiah 58:7-10)

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not in loftiness of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of Christ. For I judged not myself to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ: and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in showing of the Spirit and power: That your faith might not stand on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing anymore but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Reflection:

When the direction of our life is led by selfish desires, we become burdened with how to feed what seems to be an empty hole. In the process, we isolate ourselves. We turn away from others as we search for our own satisfaction. Eventually, in our selfishness, we hurt those who surround us. We push away those who love us and those who seek to help us, but more importantly, we push away the One who created us for a much different purpose.

We must care for ourselves so that we may care for others, but when we are only concerned with self, we become like a black hole; sucking in energy, but emanating nothing. As we balance our daily endeavors such that we reach out to share blessings with those who cross our path, we become like a light, radiating warmth, not only for those who see, but also for ourselves. As we lift up our love to God, He will enable our light to shine ever brighter. As we live by His holy Word, we provide an example for those who may observe from the shadows, for we cannot impose faith, we can only encourage it through what we do in civility, compassion, charity and love for family, friend and stranger.

What, then, should we use to guide our days? What is our beacon during the night and the fog of day? If our own light is diminished by the ways of the world, let us, then, seek the light sent to extinguish the darkness. (John 1:5, 8:12) If our candle has no flame, let us, then, touch our candle to His so that our flame may grow and be seen. As the holy flame is shared, so do we share the blessings which it harbors; the blessings of mercy, forgiveness, peace and love.

What others observe of us will also be what others will see of our faith, beliefs, and values. If we profess love for our Savior, but do not follow His ways, what example do we offer? If we preach love, but allow hate to cross our lips, what example do we share? If we reprove the sins of others, but demonstrate no remorse for our own, what example do others see?

Let us, then, examine ourselves before we examine others. (Matthew 7:1-5) Let us reflect upon how we may live as a positive example of our faith. Let us contemplate the purpose for which God made us and how we may live our days in fulfillment of His will. Let us consider how we may emulate the One sent for our salvation. Let us pray and ask for the wisdom, courage, and strength by which we may encourage others to come to the Lord. Let us seek His guidance in how we may let His light shine through our words and our works so that we may help others to see the glory of God.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we hide His light?

What may we share with others by which we may encourage them in faith?

How do we allow the light of the Lord shine through us?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier