In yesterday’s post we discussed what it means to “be a light.” You can find that post here. Amazingly, God’s light shines through you and me! Think about that for a minute. Wow! Because of that truth, we shine even when we don’t try. But, I’ve come up with a few tangible ways you and I can be a light in this dark world. So today, as promised, I’m sharing with you the 10 ways to be a light that I highlighted yesterday.
So, here we go!
10 Ways To Be A Light Wherever You Are Today
1. Shine right here.
Where are you today? At the grocery store? At work? Maybe you’re outdoors soaking in the sunshine. Wherever you are, shine right here. With your family, or online, or by yourself. You are equipped and called to be a light right here, right now. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time, or the perfect place, or the perfect circumstances. Because sometimes the most beautiful light shines through an imperfect mess. So, if you feel your life is less than perfect, you’re in good company. Let’s be lights anyway.
2. Live in the overflow.
Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me.
Psalm 119:105 NIRV
We shine brighter after spending time with our light source, Jesus. Spend time with Him in the quiet each day, whether that’s in the morning, at noon, or at nighttime. Maybe it’s while you’re walking outdoors, or reading God’s Word, or journaling your prayers. You decide. Then live in the overflow of spending that precious time in His presence. There’s nothing more important you and I can do today for us to be a light.
3. Be joyful.
The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Proverbs 13:9 NLT
There’s profound wisdom is the above verse. However, I can’t begin to call my life or myself godly. The Lord knows I’ve messed up more times than I can count. Many days I’m far from “godly.” But the thing is, our lives can be godly when God is at the center of them. When He is at the center, joy abounds within us. Some days we have to choose that joy, and when we do, joy is contagious. Just as God’s light shines through us, joy shines through us, too. This joy brightens every corner of our world, no matter how dark it seem. Choose to be joyful and watch your light shine brighter.
4. Live gracious and generous.
Extending grace and living generously are powerful ways to shine bright in this dark world. These are uncommon ways to live these days. But, when you and I forgive, when we give someone a second chance, when we offer our help, and when we love lavishly, God’s light within us brightens the paths for others. These gestures may be the keys God uses to help another to be a light in his or her own world. Graciousness and generous is also contagious!
5. Be open.
God may use us in ways we don’t expect. But, you already know that, right? To be a light in places where we don’t normally go. Or to shine in someone’s life who you’ve never met before. Or to welcome opportunities that are new to us. When we are open to God’s leading, there’s no limit to how far or how wide His light can shine through us. For our growth, for the good of others, and for His glory.
6. Seek to encourage.
Someone in your life and in mine needs some encouragement today. Who is that person? What if you and I sought to encourage a different person every single day? Maybe that’s through a word, or a kind gesture, or just sitting with someone who could use a friend. What do you think would happen? When we encourage others, even in the smallest of ways, each time impacts their lives in amazing ways. It impacts our lives as well and spurs us on to be a light to many.
7. Live in the moment.
Do you ever get so caught up in thinking about what’s next on your list, that you forget to live in the moment? Or am I the only one? When I do, I miss opportunities that are right in front of me to be a light. When you and I live in the moment, we are more in tune to what’s happening around us. We are better prepared with uplifting words, helpful actions, and positive thoughts. Living in the moment helps us shine, right where we are.
8. Be real.
There’s just something about being real… the real, authentic, transparent you. I’m drawn to real people, and most likely, so are you. I love it when someone can be transparent with me, to share what’s really going on, and what’s really happening in his or her life. There’s nothing like it. And I watch what God does through someone who is real. His light seems to shine just a bit brighter through transparency, when nothing is blocking His light. Being real a powerful way to be a light to those around us!
9. Give God the glory.
I shared this verse yesterday…
And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.
Matthew 5:14-16 VOICE
When you and I shine and give God the glory, others turn and praise God, too. Giving God the glory for the light that’s within us helps others find this True Light. Whether that’s through the good things we do, through the God-given gifts and talents we use, or through the blessings God has provided us. We are able to be a light to others through our praise.
10. Be the most positive person you know.
It’s hard, maybe nearly impossible, to be a light when we are negative. Who is ever drawn to a “Negative Nelly”? Or a “Grumpy Gretta”? If you’re not naturally a positive person, I encourage you to begin to fill your mind with everything positive. Everything. Turn off the news. Hang around positive people. Listen to uplifting music. Read positive books. Because, with what we fill our minds, that will spill out. Positive in = positive out. Light shines through what’s positive.
I hope these 10 ways to be a light wherever you are today uplift and encourage you.
What did I miss? Anything else you think we should add to the list? Please share it in the comments below. In the meantime, continue to shine, my friend. Continue to be a light, right where God has you. Thank you for being a light in my world. I appreciate you, your comments, your presence, and your love. You are incredible.
Shine bright!
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