06 Jan Let Your Light Shine
This year I am excited to focus on something that I am passionate about and, in fact, embodies the whole mission of this site – how to live distinctly. This year posts will be focused on how we can distinguish ourselves through authenticity and by boldly and unapologetically being who we were always meant to be. We will cover topics on how to love distinctly, worship distinctly, pray distinctly, work distinctly, communicate distinctly, parent distinctly, post distinctly, and much more.
The underlying Scripture I want to focus on this year is Matthew 5:16, “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Part of living distinctly is to simply let our light shine. God has given each of us tremendous gifts and talents designed for us to share with the world.
As Christians, we have been taught to be humble, to give and to focus on others. While all of that may be true, we seem to have forgotten the part where we are supposed to show off all our God-given gifts. We are supposed to stand out from others when we walk in a room. People are supposed to look at us and try to figure out why we are different. We are supposed to stand up on a pedestal and shine in the midst of darkness. If this makes you uncomfortable, just remember that it is NOT about you! The second half of the verse says “that they may see your good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven.” Every time we dim our light, we inadvertently dim God’s glory on the earth.
As a child I learned the song “This Little Light of Mine.” I remember singing it in Sunday School and in youth church services and programs. As youth, we were encouraged to stand up and sing the words loud and proud. We were encouraged to let our light shine. This year, I want to encourage you to stand out from all the rest; to live distinctly. I want you to let your light shine!
Candice Brown
Posted at 11:32h, 08 JanuaryAmen! I crafted a vision board with my writing group Monday evening; the words I heard when we were encouraged to be still and wait for hours voice were “Dream and pray BIG.” May my writing glorify him; he spoke to me through yours this morning. Thanks!
Melissa Henderson
Posted at 13:28h, 08 JanuaryWhile reading your message, I began to think of all the people in my life who “shine” the love of Christ. I am thankful to have those folks in my life. I pray I will shine His love in every moment.
Jessica Brodie
Posted at 16:15h, 08 JanuaryAmen, amen! “Part of living distinctly is to simply let our light shine.” I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for the motivation and encouragement.
Yvonne Morgan
Posted at 20:56h, 08 JanuaryI am looking forward to reading all about living distinctively in this new year. Sounds exciting. Thanks.
Julie
Posted at 03:12h, 09 JanuaryMay we all let our lights shine this new year!
Nancy E. Head
Posted at 16:16h, 09 JanuaryA wonderful point of focus for a new year!
Ava Pennington
Posted at 16:50h, 09 JanuaryLooking forward to these posts.
Yes, let’s shine those lights for God’s glory!
Stephen De La Vega
Posted at 02:47h, 17 JanuaryAmen. Let’s let our light shine, whether it’s in very noticeable ways or in gentleness and quietness. Let us reflect Jesus and deliver His message.
S. A. Foster
Posted at 13:09h, 30 JanuaryI like your comment about gentleness and quietness. So many ways to let our light shine!