God's Mighty Men Just to carry on from last week’s blog on “Crashing the Divide” and as I explained what my understanding was: “taking what you have learned from God and applying it to what you encounter in the world”.
Pastor Shaun has been teaching from the book of Mark and one section of his sermon fit this topic really well this last Sunday.
Mark 4: 21>23 – He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
In my study bible it explains verse 21 in this way: “Many Christians today are hidden from sight, reluctant to be identified as Christians. Such a Christian is like a brand-new light that never leaves the carton it came in. If a lamp doesn’t help people see, it isn’t worth much. Does your life show other people how to find God and how to live for him? If not, ask what “Bowls” have hidden your light. Complacency, resentment, embarrassment, stubbornness of heart, or disobedience could keep you from shining. What do you need to let your light shine?”
I have to tell you that in the past I have fallen into one of these excuses of not letting my light shine… I can remember a time at work when someone came up and asked me about church and I directed them towards someone else (embarrassment). This one hit me really hard later on in my career and I promised never to let it happen again.
Letting our light shine can be so easy… When people encounter us in the world they should see something different about us (Jesus should be shining through us). Here is a short list of some of the things I try to do when I meet people.
- Smile and if they have a name tag – greet them by their name. You know after a while they get to know you and you get to know them. Also I made an effort to know my neighbors by name.
- Do not expect a certain response from people you meet – create the response you want by how you interact with them. If you expect a “Thank You” then you be the first to say “Thank You”. You will get the response you are looking for when you are doing what you expect from the other person.
- Look for easy ways to help people. If you pay attention you can take a shopping cart and put it away for someone. Help someone find their car when they are disoriented (this happen at the store about a month ago). Hold the door open for people.
**When you show acts of kindness people notice something different in you and it will be the light of Jesus shining through you. One of my most rewarding things at work one time was when a co-worker came and asked me if they could use my bible. It was not something that I expected but they knew who I was because of my Light…
How is your light shining?
Do they see Jesus in your actions?
When your light shines people will be asking you about it – you can let them know about the shining Light of Jesus!
Look for opportunities to shine!
Bobbyg
