Shine On
As a young Christian mom, I wanted to share my faith and knowledge of God with everyone I met. I had so many miracles in my young life, so many supernatural experiences, that no one and nothing could shake my faith in Jesus Christ as my savior and the only Son of God.
My daughters were involved in gymnastics. The owners of the gym were having marital problems and shared their concerns with me. The husband really wanted to hear from God. I counseled them to spend time in the Word, the Bible. We had many hours of conversation and at some point they decided to divorce. I was devastated.
One of my confidants told me the I was part of the problem rather than part of the solution. She said, “You shine the light too brightly. It hurts the eyes.”
I dealt with everyone and everything by the Book. I still do, but I am much quieter about it. My faith has been attacked, tested, tried and people have been cruel, but that is not why I am quieter. I was in a hurry back then. I had the end of days on my mind at all times.
For many years, even though I witness and share my faith in general conversation, the Scriptures came out in conversation without citation of chapter and verse. In the early years it was very intentional and I had to really stop myself. Recently, I find that the Scripture finds its way to conversation without any effort at all.
Of course, I still read and study, listen and meditate on Bible passages, sermons and music. Garbage in: Garbage out, as they say, works in reverse for Believers.
I never wanted to be a Bible thumper or to shine the light so that it blinded anyone. I do see the world in the death spiral though. The explosion of knowledge has begun that Daniel spoke of. I often think of the time that is spoken of in Scripture when every thought in men’s heart will be evil continually.
We are so close to that now. Even though it is unintentional, we are thinking other people’s thoughts when we read what they wrote, when we watch tv or even news, listen to music. We are entertaining other people’s imaginations, the images they want for us to engage.
We can choose to turn from evil thoughts and wrap ourselves in good thoughts. It takes effort. It takes determination. It takes the supernatural Spirit of God to keep us from real evil though.
Thankfully, all we have to do is ask for it. That is such Good News. There is no long list of demands, not set of rules, no works of sacrifice for us to receive the power to avoid evil. It is a free gift to us. The price was paid by the Creator Himself.
How do you acknowledge God in your day?