JESUS SPEAKING
“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 provides 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.” (Mathew 5: 14 – 16.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
It is impossible for a Christian to journey through life unrecognized. To remain hidden is to fail to fulfill God’s ultimate purpose. As genuine believers we are called to be different; to stand out; to be set apart; to love where there is no love; to serve in the midst of selfishness; to faithfully encourage others; to nurture the sick; to care for the needy; to fill the hearts and minds of many with great hope and joy. Authentic faith inevitably produces an abundance of good works. As disciples we are set apart; we are a light glowing in a dark world; we are instruments that point toward the one true and everlasting Father.
Of all the planets and stars that glow in the night sky, one of the brightest is the North Star (also known as Polaris.) Resting in a sea of other stars it outshines most of its neighbors. Additionally, every other star in the northern hemisphere travels across the sky; Polaris however, remains fixed; a characteristic that once proved useful to ancient mariners who sought to navigate the open oceans. The North Star’s brightness and stability makes it easy to recognize; a heavenly body that is not readily confused with the thousands of dimmer objects surrounding it.
Like the North Star, the believer is often the brightest and most stable object in the lives of those around them. In a sea of unbelievers, the followers of Jesus Christ stand out; they are unique. Filled with compassion, charity, and peace, they are easily recognized. They orient others as well, by pointing them toward God (who is the source of all love, justice, and mercy.) If you have received the salvation of the Lord, then you too are different. Never seek to remain hidden, but rather, let the light of Christ shine through you; that others may see your good works and know that there is a God who loves them.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be different. We yearn to be more loving, more caring, and more giving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to shine brightly. May others see our good works and be drawn to You; our loving Creator and Everlasting Father. We love You Lord, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 