Keep Shining your Light

Each of us has a light deep inside that needs to shine. A light that can shine the world. I haven’t always believed that I could shine a light in someone’s life let alone the world. Then I realized that I was not the light shining. It was a Jesus shining inside me.

“You are the light of the world–like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)

In Matthew huge crowds follow Jesus. Everyone wanted to see Jesus and hear what he had to say. A man of wisdom that they could not get enough of. Jesus was the light. Jesus is the light.

Don’t hide your light under a basket. Instead let your good deeds shine as the verses say. I find that I have baskets that dim my light for all people to see the light of Jesus in me.

So what are these baskets that are dimming my light? What is in the way of placing my light on a stand for everyone to see my good deeds? What is taking away the purpose of my shine?

The purpose to praise our Heavenly Father.

I asked myself these questions. And these were my answers.

insecurities
focusing on me
busyness
lack of discipline
not taking care of myself {sleep, health, time in God’s word daily}

I am sure there are more. I am sure you can relate to my list. There will be daily baskets of activities, actions, words, thoughts, that compete with shining light.

When my light is dim God’s love and power will not shine through me to reach my family, friends, co-workers, strangers, EVERY encounter EVERY day. When my light is dim others can’t see the transformation that God has done in my life. Others can’t see the power of his love, forgiveness, and grace that he has deeply given to me. Others can’t see the sacrifice God made for me and you. His undying love for us. What are you baskets that dim your light?

My focus should be Jesus first each day. Trust him with my life and his might plans. When I choose Jesus first and me second my Light will shine even in the midst of darkness.

John 8:12, “Jesus said to the people, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” (NLT)

My light should shine creating a spark for others to see and praise our Heavenly Father. Go ahead let your light shine. You never know who will see the light of Jesus in you. Shine your light for the world to see.