You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT)
A couple of months into my freshman year, I began to be bullied for my faith. It was the first time I’d heard the term “Jesus Freak.” Knowing people were calling me that, I started to shy away and not be my true self, allowing what other people said about me to take over my thoughts. I tried to act differently to make certain friends, but those friendships were fake and failures.
I’ve learned that to find your people, you really need to be yourself, so I’m thankful that during that tough time, I met my best friend. I remember him saying, “There is just something different about you. You’re like a ray of sunshine even in the middle of a hurricane.” It made me realize that being myself could really impact other people. It reminded me that God calls us to be open and confident in our faith, to personalize and own it.
God doesn’t want us to be shy or hide away. He wants us to shine our faith like a light on the top of a hill. I’m grateful for all that God has done for me in my life, and I want to share it with others and help them understand what he can do for them.
Do you ever say a new word, then realize the people around you have started using it? That's because people pay attention and pick up what others say and do. This is the same thing with our faith. If we shine our light, others will start to do the same. Shining your light doesn’t have to be a huge, public act of faith. We can show others how Jesus has loved us through our smaller actions.
The Lord has shown me that I need to serve him right where I am. My high school is a place filled with people who all have different ideas and beliefs. I helped start up our school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program, and I have seen people who I would not expect, join. Something I like to do is wear Jesus Loves You shirts to school. I have no idea what others around me are going through, but maybe someone who sees my shirt needs that reminder. And I’ve felt a tug on my heart that I need to be okay with not always being okay. If I go to God in those moments of realizing that I am not okay, maybe it will lead others to do the same.
I try to authentically be myself in conversations and gear them toward God whenever I have the opportunity. I am not the best at it and sometimes I fall into sin during the process, but I ask the Lord for forgiveness and correct my mistake. I also love to pray for others. Prayer holds so much power and connects us with God.
God has called us to use our lights in different ways. Share your light your way!
Reflect: Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are they people who shine their light?