Are you a star?

"Become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." (Philippians 2:15-16, NIV) Have you walked under the stars and looked up at them? In the vast expanse of the night sky, they shine. The darker the light, the more beautiful the stars become.

Shine brightly! Disciple, we must for this world is a dark place. I watched a documentary film recently that told the story of children in Cambodia who are sold by their own parents into sex slavery for $10/month! Silent tears slid down my face as I heard young girls tell of the depravity of those who used and abused them, of their hatred of their mothers who gave them up to such a life. My daughter told me of the unspeakable depravity she sees that has ruined the lives of her young clients, many of whom suffered carnal abuse from their fathers. We could each, I am certain, tell our own story of encounters with darkness; experienced through hatred, pride, or total selfishness.

Thank Jesus for being your Light! We who enjoy the blessing of living where we can see clearly, where we have the power to deal with sin and temptation, can never forget where God found us. "You were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!" (Ephesians 5:8, NLT)

Do you ever have the sense that the light you shine in your family, your office, or the world around you is not really all that important? Think again. Your life could be the star by which another navigates his way to the Bright and Morning Star. Christ’s kingdom influences the world quietly and persistently, changing one heart at a time. Each of us, though small and not all that significant by ourselves, has a part in the process. We let the light of His holiness, His wholeness, shine through us.

Your world is waiting for you to shine! Here’s the word from the Word again. Take the calling to heart. "Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night." (Philippians 2:15-16, The Message)

_______________

This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.

Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine.

- Public domain