Devotionals

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Let Your Light Shine!
© 2006
by

Stephen A. Peterson


Following her receipt of the Nobel Prize for Peace, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was swamped by journalist both secular and non-secular for some special words of wisdom. As with Jesus some twenty centuries earlier, a number of journalists tried, without success, to trip Mother Teresa up with questions like: “Who is responsible for Calcutta’s poverty?” “What can be done to end poverty in Calcutta?” and other similar questions.

Mother Teresa was reported to have responded, “Let your light shine before humankind.” Of course, this is Christ’s statement to us and to the world. Why Mother Teresa responded to those who questioned her that day only she and the Lord knew. However, it is this writer’s belief that Mother Teresa was saying that poverty is more than a lack of material things. That poverty is also a spiritual yearning greater than the material one. That a believer must provide spiritual food as well as nourishment for one’s body.

Each of us whether we realize it or not is a living ad of our faith. Others are reading our ads all of the time and making judgments about Christians and Christianity. Those who are undecided or are rejecting Christianity know those who verbalize or act in some way as a Christian. They are advertising their Christianity. I often wonder what kind of “advertising” I am doing for Christ…

During the year of 2006, I have decided to make my ad for Christ more positive and appealing. Will you join me? As you go through your day, try to keep your heart and mind focused on Him. I’ve decided to repeat the prayer I made up several years ago—“God is in me and God is with me.” (You can make up your own or take a Bible verse as well). Then smile at those you live, work or go to school with. You will be surprised at the light that will shine from your face as you go about your daily routine.

After a few days into the new year, I’ve noticed the number of people I have never met take notice and smile back. But best of all, I have found it a real joy to smile at those with whom you live with and know that my outward actions seem to mirror loving thoughts that are true and unconditional—like Christ’s were and are!

Yes, it is true! Each of us can, without much effort, let your light and, more importantly, our Christianity shine before a world hungry and desperate for unconditional love, mercy, peace and reconciliation.

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