When Mr. FixIt and I were first dating and I lived out on the farm, I was complaining about the little flashlight I had. It just wasn’t very bright and I couldn’t see very far with it. When you live alone out in the country, you darned well better be able to see more than a few yards in front of you. But the bigger spotlights are so heavy with all those batteries. Then there’s the fact that more powerful lights use more energy so you go through batteries and they aren’t cheap. 

Mr. FixIt to the rescue. He bought me a very powerful spotlight that is rechargeable. Granted, it doesn’t last as long as the disposable battery lights, but it’s SUPER bright and recharging is a snap and doesn’t break the bank. I could stand on the porch at the farm and illuminate the top of the ridge across the road enough to see an owl in a treetop!

Having the right tools for the job makes everything work better. The same is true in your spiritual life. The brighter your light is inside, the brighter it shines into the world. God gave us a precious gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us, protect us, teach us, and correct us. He gave us this gift, not to squirrel away for ourselves, but to shine into the world to help others. Like moths to a flame, people are attracted to light. They’ll cross streets to bask in the glow of a lamp they feel comforted by and safe with.

This light manifests in many ways. Some people shine their light by teaching. Others by serving. There are as many ways to shine your light as there are people. I shine mine when I write. And trust me…when I’m writing without the light shining through…I know it. YOU know it. The world is aching for more light. I found myself worrying the other day. Worrying about the state of the world and all the unanswerable “what ifs” that could manifest in the coming days. 

Worry, as the Bible tells us, is a totally waste of time. It makes our lights dim. There’s a grander plan than mine at work here. And I just have to trust that I don’t know everything God has in store for us. All I can do is work with integrity, shine my light without shame, and have faith that the battle’s already been won…on the grand scale. And…when you shine a light for others, your own path is illuminated.

Do everything you can to shine your light…every day. 

We need you!

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 ESV