Let Your Light Shine!

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

These words are found in Matthew 5:14-16. One thing we need to always remember is that the lost are watching us. Be honest when they see you are they seeing the light of Christ in your life? How can we let our light shine?

Appearance. This is one key way. When people look at you are they thinking what a lovely woman, what a modest woman, what a clean woman, what a well dressed woman or are they thinking EEEWWWW! or holy moly her whole chest is going to fall out of that top, or wow that woman should not be wearing that outfit or she looks like she just crawled out of bed. There is no excuse for dressing poorly. You may have a house full of little ones- this is no reason to appear in public in pajama pants and slippers. It takes no more time to toss on a nice easy care outfit than pj's. You may not have much money... no excuse - I always shop for my clothing second hand. You can find beautiful clothes in pristine condition if you just look. You may feel that you look your best in super tight clothing and revealing skirts and tops - you don't. You are leading men to sin by wearing that kind of clothing.
Matthew 5:27- 30 says...
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Strong warning isn't it.

You have heard the saying "cleanliness is next to godliness" Well, cleanliness is so important in your appearance. In the image you project to others. Take care with your personal grooming. Strive to always look your best. You are an ambassador after all!
Smile, be happy, let it show! You are a child of God! There is no need to run around looking put out, or grumpy, or with a frown on your face all the time. Life throws us tough stuff sometimes but when you are having good days let the world know! There is a lady in town that my son used to call "the smile lady" when he was small. Whenever you see her she is smiling. It makes you want what she has! Even a small child had noticed this!

Your speech is another way your light shines before men. When you speak be sure you words are sweet and full of love not harsh or crude. There is never a need for "potty words". The way you talk shows the condition of your heart.If your heart is not right the things you say won't be. Honesty falls into this category as well. If you lie to someone one day are they going to trust you when you tell them about God the next?

Your actions. In all you do, do it for the glory of God. When you work, work hard. When you are having fun be sure it is good, clean fun not something you would be ashamed to do before Jesus. When you encounter people be open and friendly. Reach out to those in need, to your neighbours, to those you meet each day. A simple smile and "good morning" can brighten someone's day. Be open and take time to talk. You may have noticed the lonely older lady waiting in line, strike up a conversation. The over worked mother of young ones can use a soft word of encouragement. There are so many opportunities each day to be kind, don't let them pass you by. If you can go even further and volunteer somewhere. Not everyone is at the stage in life where they can be free to do this (remember your home, hubby and family come first)but if you do have a bit of free time bring some light to a seniors home, help at a school, charity shop etc. You never know who God will place in your path!

Through these things you may be given the opportunity to speak to someone about the gospel. People are drawn in to the light of Christ, they can see it in you when you let it shine before men and they will want what you have!

Let your light shine!
Blessings,
Liisa