This Little Light

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This was a little chorus I sang in Sunday School as a little girl. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

I am thankful today for those that have been a light to me. How about you? Do you remember a kindness, a word of encouragement, someone who stopped to pray when you were in need? That “light” shined brightly for you and I’m sure gave you reason to be grateful that you weren’t in this life alone.

“People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 ERV

We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving and I truly hope it was that. A time of giving thanks and we are now looking forward to the Christmas season. It’s important that we let our little lights shine during this time of year. I heard someone recently say it’s time to go on a fast. No, they weren’t making reference to all the food that was consumed yesterday or the leftovers that will be enjoyed again today and this weekend but the fast they were asking for is a fast of critical and harsh words.

“14 Do everything without complaining or arguing 15 so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you, who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people you shine like lights in a dark world” Philippians 2:14-15 ERV

Our words are some of the most precious gifts we can give – words of love and kindness, encouragement and understanding, words free from criticism and condemnation. Oh, I would love to have a letter filled with kind words and heart felt expression much more than the latest and greatest gift the retailers are offering. And it’s just not our words to or about others, we also need to fast the critical words we speak about ourselves as well. We are God’s creation, He loves us and has given each of us special talents and abilities and so we should be focusing on His love and not our faults and failings.

Will you join me in a 30 day fast? That will take us right up to Christmas Day. What a wonderful gift to give to those around you – a season free of criticism and complaining! And if we fail, let’s stop quickly and repent, then go forward with new determination.

In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday preparation let your light shine. Someone out there needs to experience the genuine love and caring that God has put in your heart! Put in a 150watt bulb and go out into the world today!