LIGHTING UP THE DARK
Do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)
When I think about God using me to be a light to my world, I get a little overwhelmed. How can someone like me make a difference by shining God’s light in a dark world?
But I feel encouraged when I think of how a small candle, even a match, lights up a dark room. It’s also encouraging to realize that the way I react to circumstances can be a light to those around me. How significant would it be for a person to face difficult issues without complaining or arguing, especially when surrounded by complaining people?
I admit that sometimes I like to complain. It just seems to feel good to look at a situation's negative side and express how that circumstance or person is causing all kinds of problems for me. But I must also admit that it doesn’t feel great to be around someone constantly complaining that things aren’t happening according to their liking.
I realize we can be a light to others through the words we say. But sometimes, we can be a light through what we don’t say. Complaining or arguing can signify that my life is about me, my way or getting what I want.
How can I be a person who doesn’t complain or argue? It’s a matter of perspective. If I am the center of my universe and believe things should happen according to my wishes, I will constantly find reasons to complain. But if Jesus is the center of my universe, I’ll seek His perspective on a given situation, trust Him to make things right, and help me understand my role in making things better.
Allowing Jesus to show me His perspective will lead me to thankfulness rather than complaining. The complaining attitude will drive people away, but the thankful attitude will be attractive. The complaints are repulsive, but the gratefulness is attractive. Let God’s light of thankfulness shine through you today.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
APPLICATION: Think of something that is hurting, aggravating or frustrating you today. Ask God to show you how to give thanks in that circumstance.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for being with me and promising to work good out of anything that happens for those who love You. Guide me to trust You today.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?