Encouraging others is important to me, so I’ve decided to be more intentional about it in hopes that it might rub off on those I come into contact with. I’ve started the hashtag #shinelight as a way of encouraging others online and through social media to live this way.

Shine Why?

There are so many reasons! First, Jesus said to. That’s good enough for me. But also, because it glorifies God the Father, and it lets other people see Jesus in me.

Also, because I’ve done this. I’ve loved my neighbor and, while it can be scary or hard sometimes, it’s always worth it. I need to show others that people have value. Too often in our world today I only think of myself. I push past others, plow them down, ignore them because I’m so busy and tired and only care about my own needs at that moment.

“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 bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives 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

Shine Where?

Everywhere I go. “Like stars in the sky.” I am living in a “warped and crooked generation.” If God is in me, people should see him in me always. I should shine his light whether I’m at home or at the bank, the post office, or picking up my child from school. No matter what mood I’m in or how I feel that day. Whether I’m talking to my husband or kids or to a perfect stranger. Shine, Jill! Shine!

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault online and through social media.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2: 14-16

Shine How?

It might only take a smile. A “Hello!” to a stranger while jogging. A “How are you?” followed up by a “But how are you really?” Shining light is being kind. It’s having good manners. It’s giving someone else the last donut, letting someone go ahead of you in line, giving when you have no reason to, speaking up for someone who has no voice. It’s taking that extra moment, whether it be a second or an hour, to show other people that they have value. It’s not complaining, not arguing, not gossiping, not muttering, and not throwing a hissy fit. If we follow Jesus’s ways, we won’t walk in darkness. We will be shining light.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

The Alternative?

If I’m not shining light, I’m sucking it up. I’m dark. What good is that? I’m no different from those in the world. I’m too selfish to notice others. It’s all about me. Is that what I want? Is that who I want to be?

No way! I was created for so much more than mediocrity.

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7

So, brothers and sisters, let’s shine light in this world. Let’s take the extra moment to show others that they have value and worth.

Who’s with me?