This Little Light Of Mine!

You may be deeply troubled by the continual decline in morality around the world and within our nation. Popular opinion seems to rule more than a focus on what is really right or wrong. Note the encouragement Paul gave the Philippians who were living in the midst of a pagan society.

We read…
“(14) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, (15) that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, AMONG WHOM YOU SHINE AS LIGHTS in the world, (16) holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” ( Philippians 2:14-16 ESV)

The present darkness gives us opportunity to SHINE! There is such a contrast between God’s way and the direction of our society the light of proper living will SHINE and expose that contrast. We need to consider everything we do and say because our world is in needs of God’s illumination and He desires to use us as lights in this world.

Some of you teens may have chosen to join with others at school for a time of Bible study. You are letting your light SHINE during a time others have chosen to focus on different things. Your choices of places to go and movies to watch are also opportunities to let your light SHINE.

In our neighborhoods, the things we are seen to be involved in and the habits we have set regarding fellowship with the church are other ways of letting our light SHINE.

Every little thing that is right will continue to make the light of God’s will in our lives SHINE brighter and brighter that the difference He makes in our life will be seen. We may not always know what thing (big or little) may impact another, but it all counts. Some time ago I sold a car to a neighbor. The necessary time period in which he was to change the title slipped his mind and thus he was going to have to pay an additional fee. It was suggested to him that maybe I would change the date on the transfer of title, but his response was, “No, Carl is too honest. It’s my fault I’m taking care of it late.” I am thankful my neighbor has that impression and it has reminded me how everything I do and say matters.

You may have focused on “This Little Light Of Mine” as a children’s song, but it is an important facet of our daily Christian walk. Keep the light SHINING. Let it SHINE among your peers. Let it SHINE in your family. Let it SHINE at work. Let it SHINE wherever you are and in whatever you are doing. Light is to be a part of our nature if Christ is in us. May we remain in line with Christ so that we can reflect His light in this dark world.

Have a great day SHINING TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/23/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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