Let Your Light Shine

Read

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Think

All week we have been learning something big. We do not have to worry, because God takes care of us. He feeds the birds, he dresses the flowers, and he knows exactly what we need. That is a lot to be thankful for.

Now here is a question. When you are not busy worrying, what do you have room to do instead? You have room to shine.

This is our memory verse for the whole month. Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven. God did not just make you to feel calm. He made you to light up the world around you.

Think about a kid who trusts God. They are not spinning around all worried and grumpy. They have a peace that other kids notice. When your friends see you stay calm and kind, even on a hard first week of school, they see something different. They see your light.

And here is the best part. Your light is not really about you. When people see you shine, the verse says they will give glory to your Father in heaven. Your light points people straight to God.

So this new school year, you have a purpose. You were designed for it. When you trust God instead of worrying, you free up your hands to help someone. You free up your heart to be kind. You get to be a little lamp in your classroom that helps other people see God.

Think about how much energy worry takes. It uses up all your attention, spinning round and round about yourself. But when you hand that worry to God, you suddenly have room to notice the kid next to you who might need a friend. Trusting God does not just help you. It helps everyone around you.

A worried heart hides its light. But a trusting heart shines bright. This week, let's trust like Jesus, so we can shine like Jesus.

You have a light inside you. Do not hide it. Let it shine.

Apply

Shine for someone – Do one kind thing this week that someone will notice. Hold a door, share a snack, or sit with someone who is alone. Let your light point them to God.

Pray

God, thank you for taking such good care of me that I do not have to worry. Help me shine your light this week so other people can see you. I want my life to point straight to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.