Be the Light

10Jan
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. 
-Matthew 5:16


It is always tough to go back to school after an extended break. However, when you are in middle school it can be particularly tough, especially for my thirteen-year-old empath. We all know middle schoolers are of the age where everyone is “mean” and every counselor and school administrator says this is normal behavior for the age. Whether it is normal or not, I had to think of a positive message to send to my sensitive child. This is tough for me because as a parent I just want to try to fix the issue. But then I got a text from a friend with the Bible verse of the day, which was Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Then John Lennon’s “Imagine” came on the radio. Wow. This was the message from God that I needed in that moment to not try to analyze the other kids’ behavior, but instead, to simply encourage her to be the light. 

What does being the light really mean? After healing a multitude across Galilee, Jesus was resting from the crowds on a nearby mountain when he told his disciples that all believers are the “salt and light of the world.” Jesus knew that there were hardships ahead for his believers and that his disciples needed to be lights in the darkness in order for them to survive and thrive. The Message Bible elaborates more on the verse and says: “Now that I’ve put you on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven.”


The light is the purpose that God has established for us in our lives. When we accept that purpose, our light shines for others to see. The purpose doesn’t have to be grandiose; it can be small acts of faith that show our light. The “light” Jesus spoke of has been described as contentment, understanding, thankfulness, generosity, compassion for others, forgiveness and/or humility. 


These are all big, ambiguous words for a middle schooler so I have been trying to come up with some everyday examples. First, be kind or compassionate to someone in class that needs it. When the other kids are being mean, stick up for that person or comfort the person if they are upset. Second, lend an ear to a friend who is struggling. You can offer words of encouragement in person or through a phone call or text. Third, say hello to a stranger. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware.” (Hebrews 13:2). Fourth, show kindness and compassion in the face of hatred, anger, division, insecurity or meanness. This is a tough one because middle schoolers just want to fit in. But we are the light-bearers of Christ, God manifests light through our good works. This is not supposed to be easy. In the face of darkness, be the light. 


Imagine by John Lennon - performed at funeral of Jimmy Carter by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood


Lord, we pray that You will be with us in 2025 as we know that we will encounter darkness. We pray that You will help us be the light in that darkness knowing that God is our Father, Jesus is our Savior, and the Holy Spirit is leading us on Your path to treat ourselves and others better. Amen. 

CompassionUnderstandingThankfulness

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