This is a dark world. Are you shining? Let your light shine

Let your light shine, Are you shining?

It’s common to hear people say, “This is a dark world.” However, instead of dwelling on the size of the problem, I believe in finding solutions. We can address the problem by finding solutions and preventing it from becoming bigger. Rather than just discussing the problem, let’s take action and then reflect on what we’ve accomplished and how to avoid similar issues in the future.

Matthew 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The world may seem dark because many people are focused on discussing and complaining about the darkness, instead of letting their own light shine. To bring light to the world, we must take action and actively work to brighten it up. Instead of just talking about problems on social media or forums, let’s focus on finding solutions and taking action. We need more people willing to take action, instead of just discussing the issues. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world by letting our light shine.

Matthew 5:14-15

14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.…

Please get this. It says “YOU”; you are the light of this world. It can not get any darker if you are shining. If you are not hiding behind that computer screen, behind countless religious meetings and forums, but giving light to all. We have become so one-sided, we see the problem but never plan for a solution.

The unfortunate shooting of Michael Brown in St. Louis has shown this even more clearer. For all who protest daily, their aim is for officer Darren Wilson to be arrested. And that is necessary, if he committed a crime, he deserves to be punished for it. However, that is not the real problem; the real problem is racial.

The real problem is that law enforcement behaves as though it does not apply to them. Real solutions here would first teach our children in communities how to relate to the police and others in general, in the same way, we would teach them how to cross the road, even though there are road safety rules to protect them.

Secondly, there needs to be legislation that strictly stipulates acceptable and unacceptable conduct for law enforcers. Police should be furnished with cameras and voice recorders 24/7 to monitor activities. This would have closed the Michael Brown case.

Let us take Jesus into our communities, offices, and homes, and not just meet him in church on Sunday. It is time that you and I recognise that the world will only get brighter if we, as the world’s lights, actually go out there and shine.

Let your light so shine prayer points

1. Pray for the courage and strength to let your light shine, despite fear or self-doubt.
2. Pray for wisdom and guidance in identifying and overcoming obstacles that prevent you from shining.
3. Pray for the grace to accept and love yourself as you are, and for the ability to let your unique light shine.
4. Pray for the ability to inspire and influence others positively as you let your light shine.
5. Pray for the humility to recognize and appreciate the light in others and to support them in shining their light.
6. Pray for the discernment to know when to let your light shine and when to let others shine.
7. Pray for the strength to stand firm and let your light shine in the face of opposition or persecution.
8. Pray for the ability to shine your light in a way that brings glory to God and helps to further His kingdom.
9. Pray for the grace to be a positive role model and to inspire others to let their light shine.
10. Pray for the ability to see the beauty and potential in others, and to encourage them to let their light shine.

Personal Growth and Development

Letting your light shine, as described in Matthew 5:16, refers to living a life that reflects the light of God, and making a positive impact on the world. It is about being a reflection of God’s love and truth in the world. When we let our light shine, we are growing and developing ourselves and fulfilling our purpose as children of God.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says “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 basket, 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.”

This verse encourages us to let our light shine, to let our good works be seen by others and bring glory to God. It reminds us that we are called to be a light in the world and that by doing so, we are fulfilling our purpose as children of God.

Additionally, other verses like Philippians 2:15, “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” and Proverbs 4:18 “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” also remind us the importance of letting our light shine to grow and develop as children of God and to be a positive influence in the world.

Examples of letting your light shine in everyday life

The apostle Paul is a great biblical example of letting his light shine in everyday life. He spread the message of Jesus Christ and founded many churches, even facing persecution and opposition. He also lived his life as an example of faith and righteousness, encouraging others to do the same. (Acts 9:15-16, Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

Jesus is the ultimate example of letting his light shine. He lived a life of service, love, and compassion, and through his teachings, miracles and the ultimate sacrifice of his life, he showed the world the love and truth of God. He also encouraged his followers to do the same, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a stand, giving light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16)

King David, known as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), showed his light by living a life of faith and obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances. He was known for his psalms, which were full of praise and thanksgiving to God and his leadership as a king. (Psalms 51, Psalms 23, 2 Samuel 5:12)

Joseph, sold as a slave by his brothers, let his light shine through how he lived his life with integrity, hard work, and compassion. His ability to interpret dreams and his wisdom in managing resources during the famine helped him to rise to a position of power and influence and, eventually, to reunite with his family. (Genesis 39-50)

Additional examples include Daniel, who shone his light through his faith and integrity even in the face of persecution and adversity (Daniel 1-6) and the Samaritan woman at the well, who let her light shine by becoming a witness for Jesus and bringing many people to him. (John 4:1-42).

How to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent you from shining

To identify and overcome obstacles that prevent us from shining, it’s important to be self-aware and to recognize the specific things that hold us back. Common obstacles that prevent us from shining include fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs.

Fear is a common obstacle that can hold us back from shining. In the Bible, Jonah was called by God to go and preach to the Ninevites but he was afraid of the people and ran away, but later God gave him another chance and he was able to overcome his fear and fulfill his mission. (Jonah 1-4) Moses also struggled with fear and self-doubt, but with the help of God, he was able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and fulfill his destiny as a leader. (Exodus 3:1-4:17)

Self-doubt can also prevent us from shining. Prophet Elijah doubted himself and thought he was the only one left who was faithful to God, but God reassured him that there were still many faithful people. (1 Kings 19:10,14) Elisha also struggled with self-doubt, but with God’s help, he could fulfill his mission as a prophet. (2 Kings 2:9-15)

Limiting beliefs can also hold us back from shining. Gideon struggled with limiting beliefs about himself and his ability to lead, but God helped him to overcome them and he was able to lead the Israelites to victory. (Judges 6-8) Joshua struggled with limiting beliefs about his ability to lead Israel after Moses, but with God’s help, he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. (Joshua 1:1-9)

To overcome these obstacles, it’s important to recognize them, to seek God’s help, and to remind ourselves of His promises and His love for us. The Bible is full of examples of people who, with God’s help, were able to overcome their fears, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs, and to let their light shine. We can also overcome these obstacles and let our light shine by aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3, Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 41:10).

Strategies for identifying and overcoming these obstacles

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Identify any patterns holding you back and be honest about what you need to change.
2. Pray and Seek God’s guidance: Spend time in prayer and seek God’s guidance and help in overcoming your obstacles. Read the Bible and meditate on verses that offer encouragement and hope.
3. Seek support: Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you on your journey. This can include friends, family, mentors, or a therapist.
4. Change your perspective: Challenge your limiting beliefs and negative thoughts by looking at the situation differently. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” and “What’s the best that could happen?”
5. Take Action: Take small, manageable steps towards your goal. Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks and set a deadline for completion.
6. Practice positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Speak encouragement to yourself and remind yourself of your abilities and strengths.
7. Learn from failure: Learn from your mistakes and failures and use them as opportunities for growth and learning.
8. Reframe your thoughts: Reframe negative thoughts by looking for the positive in any situation.
9. Practice mindfulness: Learn to be present in the moment and focus on your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
10. Believe in yourself: You can overcome obstacles and remind yourself of your abilities and strengths.

Let your light shine prayer

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We are called children of God to let our light shine in the world. It is not always easy, but it is crucial for our personal growth and development and for the betterment of the world around us.

I want to encourage you to take steps towards letting your light shine. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, God is with you and will guide you every step of the way. You have the light of Christ within you, which is meant to shine brightly.

Do not let fear, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs hold you back. Recognize them, seek God’s help, and take action. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you, and remember that failure is not the opposite of success, it is a part of it.

Let us be shining examples of God’s love and truth. We can positively impact the world and bring hope and light to those around us. Let us take action and let our light shine for the glory of God.

Remember that you are loved, you are valuable, and you are capable. Let your light shine, and watch as it brings hope and joy to the world.

May the Lord bless you as you let your light shine.

With love in Christ,

Prayer Relay Team

Letting Your Light Shine Worksheet