For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had this one constant prayer…”Lord let me be a light to others. Let them see You in me and may my testimony bring honor to Your name!” Every time I would get ready for work, I would ask God to give me grace to be that light—with my actions, my speech, with my character, with my thoughts and with my attitude.
I remember one specific day in which I arrived at work and I remember cordially greeting an older man who also worked in the special education department. He was a very humble and reserved man. He rarely spoke with anyone else. While everyone else chatted and waited for the school buses to arrive, he always seemed to distance himself from the group. That morning, I greeted everyone as usual and I then stepped back to where this older man was standing and I greeted him as well with the biggest smile on my face. He smiled and quietly answered, “Oh, good morning!” And he turned back to where the school buses were lining up. And then he suddenly turned to me and said, “I don’t think we’ve ever had the chance to converse but I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be back for the next school year. I’ll be transferring to another school as a track and field coach. And before this school year ends, I wanted to thank you for all the times you’ve been kind to me. You have no idea how many times you’ve encouraged me in the past with your usual morning greetings and your big smile.” I was completely astounded. How was it possible that with a simple greeting, with a simple smile, I was able to encourage someone?
I was reminded of a song I learned in Sunday school: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” Wherever we are, whether at work, school, church, the park, a restaurant, the mall, etc., we are called to be a light for others. As believers we can leave an impact on those around us, whether good or bad. Being a light doesn’t necessarily mean preaching to everyone we meet throughout our day. It means showing God’s love and joy with our attitudes, our actions, our choice of words, and our character. It could be as simple as letting someone go first in line, saying hi to a neighbor, sharing a smile to a passerby on the street, lending a hand with the groceries, etc.
Matthew 5:14, 16 says: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Others will know who we belong to just by observing our testimony. Have we allowed the pollution of this world to dim out our light? If so, it’s time to make some changes to our way of life. Let us become bold in shining our light. We are not called to “fit in” but to stand out for Christ. May our light shine unreservedly and may it cause for those around us to draw close to the One who promises eternal life.
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#christian #different #light #hope #encourage #god #shine
BEAUTY FROM ASHES 
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