" This Little Light of Mine"

We all know the song; we have it ingrained in our heads since we were young. " This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a basket, NO! I'm gonna let it shine..." The song goes on to say won't let Satan blow it out and so on, but do we allow him to?

If we really examine this song's lyrics we will see that we are to shine in the world and not let the enemy blow out our flame. Easier said then done, right? I mean, how many of us wake up in the morning, do our devotion, listen to worship, etc. and then we get in the car to drive to work. (Dun, Dun, Dun) We turn into more like a raging fire than a sweet little light bringing the Good News of Jesus into the world. lol. It takes one person to cut us off, or someone to stay stopped at the green light, or someone to have their turn signal on for the wrong direction than they turn, etc. and watch out! Our once ever joyful song has left us feeling unraveled. I have been there before, have you?

We are not called to be perfect. I believe too many labels have been placed on Christians that we are to live this perfect life, free from human character. I see a different message in the Word. I see a message that says we are all broken people needing a Perfect Savior to dwell within us each and every day. I see a message that says, " Hey, you will mess up because you are human, but I ( Christ) came to save the world. I (Christ) came to restore the broken, heal the wounded, walk with the desolate." The list of why He came to Earth states its not for the perfect people at all. He does command us to love one another and by our love they will know He is alive and in us.

So, practically speaking, how do we shine? Are we a small dim candle in the corner or a blaring spot light. What kind of impact are we/am I making on my community? On my unsaved friends? On my family? I won't always get it right, and that's OK.

Look for opportunities to shine his message of Hope and Encouragement to those you encounter. For example, when you are checking out at the register at a store, ask the cashier how they are doing and really listen. I did this today at a coffee shop and the drive-thru clerk said he was mad and wanted to tell off his boss. WHOA! I wasn't expecting that, but Jesus was. So, I listened to him and afterwards I told him I would pray for him. You know what happened next? He smiled. He said thank you and that made his day. The Gospel doesn't have to be beaten over people's heads. It is most effective in the small everyday happenings of life.

When at the grocery store, ask the cashier what his favorite candy or snack is and buy it for him in the Name of Jesus. Tell him how much Jesus loves him. My sons and I have done this many times and the blessing of seeing people's faces "light" up is amazing. The world is hurting, and they need our small and not so small acts of kindness.

Whatever you decide to do, shine. Shine brightly, for His News is Great and Everlasting News. You may not always get it right, and again, that's OK. Jesus sees your heart and knows your inmost parts.

Let's get out there and illuminate a very dark and hurting world.

Write down 5 things you can do to shine the light of hope in your world. Make it a point to do one of these acts every day, every week, every month or every year. Your light can change someone's life forever.

-Lena