Shine

How well do you know your neighbors? In some communities, everyone knows their neighbors. They borrow tools and eggs; they help each other fix things; they watch one another’s kids or dogs. But in other neighborhoods, people don’t seem to know each other. Everyone is private, keeping their doors and windows shut.

Which ever type of community you live in, do the people around you know who you are? Do they know more than your name, but really know your heart? Jesus said His followers are to be known in public, that people should be able to tell that you know Jesus. He said, “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light” (Luke 8:16, NIV).

Letting your light shine doesn’t mean being a show-off, it doesn’t mean calling attention to yourself. But it does mean not covering over your faith, not being shy about who you truly are, not being ashamed of your relationship with Jesus. He is our light, our source of life and goodness. It is our joy to let our light of faith shine brightly.