“You
are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they
put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In
the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).
It
seems lately that the news has been filled with fatal shootings
across our nation. This last Sunday many Christians were killed in a
fatal shooting at a church. It seems like evil is prevailing and it
can be very discouraging to say the least. But please know that even
in a world seemingly filled with darkness, you can still be the light
of hope to others.
I
want this devotion to challenge all of you to be the light to the
people all around you. Even though the news tells us about these
people who are doing evil things, please know that there are more
people doing good things. I gave my mother-in-law a book from Chicken
Soup for the Souls filled with stories of people who did acts of
kindness for other people. It is uplifting to read these stories
because it reaffirms our hope in humanity.
You
must be the one to make a difference by the way you treat others in
your everyday walk of life. You need to meet people’s needs when
you can. Jesus spoke the above words to his followers and they are
just as relevant today as then. If everyone did good deeds for others
wouldn’t this world be a better place? Show kindness to others,
speak encouraging words, pray for and with those who are struggling,
be a Christian example to those you work with, give money to those in
need, and be a good listener. These are only a few ways you can be
the light to others. It only takes one person to change another
person’s life around. Reach out and care! God is with you!
Dear
Lord,
The
world seems so full of hatred and evil right now. Help me to let my
light shine for you so that others will see my good works and praise
you.
In
Jesus’ name,
Amen
