How To Be A Light
Do you ever feel bad for a kind of weird kid that is left out, and you want to go be their friend, but don’t want to be judged? Or you may relate to the one that is left out, and for that I am sorry. It’s interesting how when we are younger we tend to judge others for being kind to kids who aren’t considered “cool” or part of the “in crowd.” I mean think about it, you should want to be kind and welcoming to everyone. If the tables were turned, you wouldn’t like being the one treated unfairly because you didn’t fit in. In the book of Matthew in the Bible, chapters 5-7 speak a lot about how you treat others and who you should look to please in life. Matthew 7:12 states, “so whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them..” Tony Gaskins, a motivational speaker, says it this way,
“you attract what you are, not what you want. So if you want it then reflect it!”
Be an example to others of what is right, and the right people will either want to do the same, or will notice you are a person they would want to be friends with. Matthew 5:10 says, “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sakes, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:17 tells us, “for it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is part of God’s will, then for doing evil.” So, when others choose to put a certain person down and leave them out, you can choose to do the right thing and be kind . Matthew 5:47 explains, “and if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than other?” We aren‘t supposed to be kind and loving only to those who are easy to love or who everyone approves of. Jesus went out of His way to show love to those who seemed to be misunderstood, unseen, unappreciated, and unhappy.
Do you want to be a light and make a difference?
Well, start right where you are in ways that seem small, and then you’ll see how that attitude connects to the bigger opportunities to make a difference in the future. However, it is good to remember that through the “small ways” you treat others, you can have a huge impact on their day and on their mental health! Jesus, God’s son, always lived as an example of how to live set apart, therefore, we should reflect Him in our lives.
Jesus showed that with God we are taught to act and live beyond human expectations by showing love, compassion, and patience to everyone.
Even Jesus was ridiculed by others who talked badly about Him for doing good. Therefore, you can expect others to have negative things to say about you when you do something that is against the norm. People may make things up about you or speak behind your back, but Jesus encourages us to do what is right anyway! Jesus says in Matthew chapter five verses eleven to twelve, “blessed are you when others reviled you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven..” This verse is a good reminder that the things we do should be to please God and not others around you. Jesus even explains in the beginning of Matthew chapter six how when you do something good for others you shouldn’t do it to be seen so, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Later in the chapter it is explained how you can store treasures/rewards in heaven because it won’t perish there. No one can steal it and no rust can take place to destroy it. When you do things out of your love for the LORD, you receive an everlasting reward that is yours in heaven! When you do what is right you will not only benefit in heaven, but you will also see how God blesses you while here on earth. Whether through physical blessings, or the good feeling and peace that comes from doing what it right, God is generous with His love towards you! All He wants you to do is believe in Him and how He sent Jesus to live, die, and rise from the dead to save you from your sins. And when you truly believe in Him, then you will find yourself wanting to do all the right things to honor Him by showing your love for Him! God wants you to “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). Always remember that you shine a light in this world, the light of Christ! Choose to make an impact, even if just by kindly saying “hi” to those who others do not acknowledge. So, be a living example of how you want others to treat you, and in doing so, you will receive the benefits from doing God’s will for you!
