A Brightly Shining Light
Tad Coit
A year ago, I was evaluating the effect of my Christian
walk within the environment of the school where I teach.
Many of the other teachers know that I am a Christian and
that I work to show kindness and integrity. That is in itself a
positive, but does it represent all that I can say and do for
Christ within my workplace? Even though I had been
involved in prayer groups with other teachers at my school, I
had never led another teacher to Christ and most students
had little knowledge that my faith was important to me.
Matthew 5:14-15 struck me hard as I reflected on my
work environment. “You are the light of the world. A city
that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a
lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it
gives light to all who are in the house.” Was my light
shining with the brightness that God intended or was it a
light that was dimmed from being covered?
Jesus talked much about how He was the light. John
8:12 says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
Jesus, however, was only with us on earth a short time and
we have now been called to be that light. In Jesus’s day, a
city was often built upon a hill and was often visible for
miles and miles. Was the walk at my school this bright?
I decided this year to take on being the school
sponsor for FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I put up
signs in our school clubs area, talked to students who would
be potential leaders, talked to families of Christian students,
and every Thursday put on the announcements that FCA is
meeting in my room.
I have witnessed some unbelievable transformations
in the 10-20 students who attend each week. For some of
these students, my room has become a safe haven. For
some, they have developed confidence and a sense of pride
in helping to lead a ministry on campus. A number of students have approached me with problems and questions
that they would have never approached me with in the past.
My decision to take on FCA has transformed my
classroom place from a place with a somewhat dim light to
one that is much brighter. All of us have the opportunity to
transform the places in which we step. Some opportunities
may be more limited than others but each of us can do more
to let our lights shine fully.
Bible Verses: Psalm 27:1, John 1:5, Psalm 119:130
Questions:
1. What places in your life are you most tempted to hide
your light under a bowl?
2. Read Psalm 27:1. How does this encourage you in those difficult places?
3. What is something that you can do in your life right now
that will brighten your light?
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