Stepping Stones: What Light Do Others See In You?

Transformational Thought

I always marvel at how our kids resemble my wife and me in so many ways, and I am not just talking about physical characteristics. Making lists, the way they talk about certain situations, word choice, sense of humor and what we laugh about, and attitudes about money to name a few. Our kids often become echoes of who we are.

The one line that really gets me is when my girls say, “Dad, that is exactly what Pappy would say.” When I hear it I realize, 1. They are really watching and noticing what I do, and 2. As a teen, I vowed I would be different than my dad, but I am probably more similar than dissimilar because I was observing him (I also realized he wasn’t as weird as I thought as a teen!).

Like it or not, the way you lead your life is an example to many: your children, spouse, family, friends, co-workers. People are watching, and they can’t help it. Our mind is so powerful … it is like radar … so sensitive … picking up all the activity in our environment, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. So the big question is, “What do they ‘see’ when they see you?”

As Christians, we have a light in us that is powerful … bright … vibrant … and can truly transform our mind and behavior. But it can also be transforming for others as well. Do others see your Heavenly Father in the way you act, talk, and think? We are called to let our light shine, not hide it under a bushel. What are the ways that we hide it?

We know the Holy Spirit is powerful and perfect. But we aren’t perfect and don’t shine His pure light. So why is that? We hide our light by actually getting in the way of the Holy Spirit and His work in our life. Our past, with the distortions and lies Satan has presented to us and we have accepted, causes us to act like the captain of our ship. We don’t submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit or follow His commands and direction.

Today, look at how you handle adversity. Are you following the Holy Spirit’s teaching and direction or ignoring Him and doing it your way? How much light are you shining to the world? Alternatively, think of all the blessings you have received. Think about how your destiny and life have changed since accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let His light shine brightly through you so that as the scripture tells us, Many will see you and put their trust in the Lord.

Prayer
Dear Father, You have performed so many miracles for me and through me. Thank You, Lord. All Glory to You, Lord. You have truly lifted me out of the pit of destruction. Help me get out of Your way as You work through me and in me. Give me a humble spirit that accepts You as my captain. I pray, Lord, that You will use me today to further Your Kingdom; that You will use me in ways that I don’t even understand. I have close family members and friends who remain in that pit. Let them see You through me today, and allow me to help them to put their trust in You. I pray in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He lifted me out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many shall see and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

Oh Lord my God, You have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds I could never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:5

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:33-36