Being a Light in a dark world.

Being a light in a dark world

Let me say this is not the blog where I get on to my soapbox and tell you how to be a better light for God. This is not to make you feel less than perfect because I’ve found something that works for me and my house that may not work for you. I am not judging you if you read this. Like most of my blogs, this is sharing some tips I’ve learned. I’m an introvert and an observer. I feel things and notice things differently than others. Some of these tips may not work for you.

We live in a fallen world. A world that has a holiday where we worship less than Godly things, our world has an obsession with horror movies. We live in a world where if you need something on Sunday you can go shopping and retrieve that item. Life is fast-paced and about the self-absorbed. Through it all, it’s hard being a Christian and loves others in such a hate-filled world.

I love in a way that I think Jesus loves. Jesus loved everyone. He loved the person, not the orientation, race, religion, ability or even the sin. He loved each and every person he met, he cared for the sick and tended the poor but he loved with gentleness and kindness. I try to love everyone I meet. I try to show kindness before getting upset at the lady in front of me in the check out line who is asking a million questions and I’m tired and have ice cream and just want to go home. I smile and wish her a good day.

I respect your beliefs please don’t disrespect mine. There are so many belief circulating around with other Christians that often I find myself instead on the left or right of those beliefs I am right in the middle. Now being in the middle is a choice as well, just because I don’t land in a right or left camp doesn’t mean that I didn’t make a choice. I choose the middle. Sometimes people have reasons for their decision-making process. One of these might be people who they love who are what the world seem as different. Please don’t try to pull me into another camp, if you think I haven’t made a choice. Please don’t convince me that my choice is wrong. Please be supportive. Please don’t spout scripture to me or make me feel bad about my decision. It doesn’t affect you. I hope that I’m not pulling into the middle

I hang out with nonbelievers. I have quite a few friends who are nonbelievers and I try not shove my beliefs down their throat. We thank God for our food, I may offer to pray for you. I might invite you to church but that is all I do. If we don’t agree, or you never come to church our friendship will not change. I believe that God wants us to meet people where they are. So if someone wants to go to a bar to eat, and I’m not a drinker, I’ll adapt to make them comfortable.

I will pray for you but I am also a safe person. I will not tell anyone what you tell me. I’ll pray for you and try to check back in. If you come to me and share a secret. I will not tell anyone. I will pray for you. I’ll pray for God to guide and help you. I also pray for you even if you think you don’t need prayers.

Finally, and this is my favorite analogy for being a light for Christ. I want to be a firework instead of a candle. A candle is quiet and still. Great for providing light but that’s all it does. A good friend of mine loves fireworks and during bible study often wants to talk about fireworks. I want to be a firework for God, awe-inspiring and loud about who God is and how he saves the world. How he has saved me. I want to be loud and cause others to stop what they are doing look what I’m saying and follow Christ.

Thanks for reading, hope this helps.

Matthew 5: 14

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

TTFN and God bless and keep you.