Let your light shine!

Jesus stressed the positive effects we can have on others when He said, “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16). But if sin dims our light, some people we might have influenced for Christ may drift on in spiritual darkness. Jesus the light of the world has gone to heaven. Now we have the responsibility to be the '"lower lights" that guide sinners to the harbor of His redeeming grace'. How can we be sure that we are reflecting God’s love to others? By voicing David’s prayer, “search me O God and…see if there is any wicked ways in me" (Psalm 139:23-24). If we forsake sin, we can be certain our lights will shine brightly in a dark and needy world. Let us ask God to point out to us the ways of right and wrong—instead of the world’s direction. Then, His light will shine on our paths. — Ephesians 5:8