Be The Light.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Luke 11:36 “ Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”
Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, 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.”
Acts 13:47 “ For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
What is it to be a light to others?
Why should we be a light to others?
God calls us to be a light to his people- to reach out to the nations and bring salvation to all the earth. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and travel the world to show the light. Yes, I believe God does call people to do just that, just as he has called me to do that exact thing this year. He calls everyone into different situations to show the light to his people. Whether it’s traveling to other countries or in the communities around you, you can make a difference. When I think of what being a light to someone means, I think about the people who have been that light to me. The people who have been there pouring positive things into my life. Someone who shows me kindness through helping me with even the simplest things. Think of the Sunshine, how does that make you feel? For me sunshine brings warmth, joy and a sense of God being right there with me providing another day for me to live. So, when I think of being a light to someone I think about how I can show the love of God through my actions. For me this month, that means to do whatever we can to help the people in the foundation we are with.
My team has been given the opportunity to spend a lot of time in ministry with the women of the foundation. Being a light to them has been different on a daily basis. A lot of the work we do is in the kitchen. On the days we are in the kitchen, we could be doing anything from helping prepare food or scrubbing walls, cabinets and emptying the fridge. Although it may not sound like the most exciting thing to do, it brings joy to the ones we are helping. We can make this a blessing or it can turn into a burden. Being open and willing to help others in any area needed becomes such a blessing to them. Not only does it help them but I promise it will make you feel good. Smile and push into the opportunities God is giving you to connect and build relationships. Go in loving on them and making them smile and laugh. If you go in with a bad attitude and think that you don’t feel like doing this today, well, you’re not going to have a good experience with it and neither will they. We all have our off days but that’s why going in with good intentions is even more important. Throughout the day the relationships you have built will also be the exact thing that will get you through the hard days: the smiles, laughs and love exchanged from one another. There’s been many times that ended in my hands smelling like onions or dirt from peeling potatoes even after a couple days. But, it ain’t nothing but a thang. When you have those people around you, it just makes it all worth it. We have peeled, cut and washed so many fruits and vegetables. We have cleaned the fridge and freezer out many times as well as cleaned and put away items after they fumigated the kitchen. In my daily life, no I wouldn’t say these things excite me. But, knowing how big of a blessing it is to the ladies in the foundation makes it all worth it. I love being in the kitchen with the women and my team. There is just something so sweet about community and unity with one another that is so special. We have shared so many laughs, tons of hugs and just a lot of love. What is a language barrier when you have the same love in the one who created you? Yes, we’re different from the ladies of the foundation but we’re also different from everyone in our lives. What’s so special about being the same as everyone else? God made us the exact people we are suppose to be and trust me this is something I have been seeking and learning through the journey. What is important is that we share the love and God’s grace for us with others. It is such an important and valued aspect of our life in Christ.
Other opportunities we have been able to participate in was the simpleness of cleaning out the supply cabinets for the homeschooling and children’s ministry. We also got to go through and sort donated clothes by age and bag them up to hand out to the kids at our ministry. This may not seem like much to some people but to those in the foundation it is. We went in with open hearts to help and we had a great time in community. Not only that, but we left knowing how much relief that brought to these ladies. They are non-stop everyday either preparing meals or getting different ministries set up and organized. The best feeling is to know you were able to help someone and relieve any extra stress they may be feeling related to a task we can accomplish for them. Being intentional and understanding is the best way to help and it’s so important. Being a light to someone can be displayed in so many ways. Whether its peeling potatoes, going out to help the homeless, being someone that will sit there and listen to their stories or simply offer a smile that says, “hi and God loves you.” Show God’s grace and love and live a life to glorify Him. You won’t be able to imagine the light you could be bringing to someones life.
Now I ask you, how can you be a light to those around you? Will you do it? We all struggle but what would it mean for you to reach out to help someone get through those struggles. It could be a friend, a family member or maybe even a complete stranger. Push in and don’t let the devil get in your way with lies of fear or doubt. God didn’t call us to those feeling but He did call us to reach out to children. Hug a neighbor, stay up with a friend and press in and talk to a stranger because you never know what opportunities God may be putting right in front of you. I love you all and can tell you God is truly working in my life and showing me what it is to serve others and press in to all he has for me. I am not perfect and I am still working on these same things but He truly is making changes in the way I approach things.
