Let your light shine—Matthew 5:16

Shine (v): To give off or reflect light

Recently, I did a cold call into an Automotive Shop. When I opened the door, a man named Christopher said in an energetic joyful way, ” Hi, how are you today? ” He was bold, friendly and welcoming, a standout in comparison to the grumps I typically run into. He was like a shined up, polished, sparkling classic car beaming. Unlike the old dull paint, rusted personalities, the typical worn-out front desk gatekeepers. 

My response was immediately reciprocal! ” I’m great, how is everyone today.” I was bubbly, smiling and instantly I reflected his energy. 

There was a quiet black grandfather sitting with his shoes off on the left side of the room when I came in. I later found out that his feet weren’t hurting, but he was raised by a Southern woman who said shoes should come off inside buildings to show respect. As I was standing waiting for Christopher to get off the phone, I could feel the old man staring and smiling at me. I made some small talk and then he said, ” The minute you walked into the room, you lit up the entire place! ” 

A little set backed, flattered if you will, I stuttered and questioned, ” I did? ” 

He said, “Yes, you lit up the room.” 

Without hesitation, I said, ” It must be Jesus in me. “

He said, ” Yes, I can see the Spirit all over you. “

What’s funny is that I do not enjoy cold calls on the phone or in person. In fact, I dread them. But I had a conversation with God that I would not see them as cold calls but bringing his LIGHT and joy into all the places I visited. 

The bible says “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. [2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60.\

I believe a darkness has fallen upon the earth. People are sad, lonely and feel in many ways that the United States, earth will never be the same. There is a sense of hopelessness in the young and old. I feel it with every building and business I enter. 

Years ago, I was told that I should go way out into the country and meet an elderly woman who was spirit filled and had more “truth” than others. I had never met her before. When I pulled up to the house, it was a sweet farm home, a craftsman style white home with a welcoming front porch. I felt like I was in the movie set from the movie ” War Room.” 

When I pulled up onto her acreage and parked, she came out of the house, down the front steps. She was careful and held the railing. As she approached me, she yelled out, ” I can see the Holy Spirit all over you.” Then, she quoted Isaiah 60.  She then went onto to tell me that the Holy Spirit told her to give me her holy anointing oil. She told me she argued with the holy spirit, ” But Father, this is my last one.” She had made a specific anointing holy oil, and it had a great roller on it.  She gave me that large roller of holy oil, and I did not disappoint God, I anointed so many, prayed for so many, and it has mere drops now. 

Now do you see this sweet old man in a wheelchair in the picture above? Not sure why but I am a magnet for old men who want to visit in Academy. I was at the register, and I heard violent coughing. I turned to look and saw this older gentleman in a wheelchair being pushed by a stoic, non-smiling caregiver. I mean this woman had no smiles or joy in her. She looked miserable, and I felt sorry for him for the lack of love pushing his wheelchair and not responding to his violent coughs. When he came around in front of the registers, I got a nudge from the Holy Spirit that he needed a prayer. 

I approached him and got down to his level. ” How are you today? ” He could barely talk, evidence of a terrible stroke. I had to pay close attention to his words. I said, ” Can I bless you today? ” 

He lit up like the Fourth of July. ” Yes.” 

I pulled out the gifted oil, and I anointed his head. Then, I blessed him. I am not sure what inspired me, but afterwards I gently kissed this sweet old man on the forehead. 

With a smile ear to ear he said, ” You blessed me. You blessed me. You are like a disciple. Jesus blessed me today.”

I was so overwhelmed with the feeling I felt. It was like Jesus was side by side with me, we were walking together. I could feel the LIGHT around both of us. It was so tangible.  I asked him if I could take a picture of him. I have no idea who he was, no idea. But I know that he made my day, and I made his. And I was a light shining that I hope his sad hired caregiver would absorb. She may have been depressed or had terrible things going on, I hope I prayed for her when I left.

Letting your light shine means so many things. It also means not casting darkness and negativity. 

Friendliness, helpfulness, positivity, joy, kindness, all of those things are letting your light shine.

Avoid: grumbling, disputing, blaming, negativity, being conformed by the world.

It is our job to cast off works of darkness and to go out into the world wearing the armor of light. 

It means putting yourself out there. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16a). He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re shy or outgoing, you’re called to be a light.  Jesus wants us to let our light shine “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our intention is to never bring attention to ourselves to be seen as a “good person” by people, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.

Take a look at your own life. Sin dulls the diamond in you.  Ask God for His forgiveness and help in changing your heart. We’ll never be perfect, but we need to address our sin so that we can shine.

Few More Pointers: 

• Be careful what you say. The tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). 
• Consider your entertainment.  What we watch and listen to matters, we absorb darkness.
• Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help. Encourage don’t criticize. Be patient. 

Reflection: 

1. What do you need to eliminate or change to cast off darkness? 
2. What can you do in the form of kindness, friendliness, helpfulness to be the LIGHT? 
3. How can you incorporate being the “light” into your everyday existence?