The firefly’s only purpose (that I know of) is to shine its light out in the dark. But does it know how beautiful its light is?

No.

The firefly doesn’t know how shining its one little light produces a wondrous spark against the inky darkness. It can’t see how its light combines with the lights of its pals to make a summer night magical.

No, the firefly has no concept of any of these things. It simply shines. And when it does, it fulfills its God-given role.

Maybe we’re like that.

As Christians, we also have a light to shine:

“Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 

Your light may not seem grand, or important, or impactful—and maybe, it’s not.

But when you go ahead and do that thing God is calling you to do, it provides light.
When you accept that opportunity you know He’s placed in your path, it provides beauty.
When you go out of your way to serve someone else, it shines a light against the darkness of the world.

If each one of us let our lights shine this summer, it would be quite a show.

But what does it actually mean to “shine your light?” Here are a few ideas:
     1. Recognize first that you don’t have to produce the light, you simply have to reflect it.

     Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

     So, spend some time with the Lord today. Ask Him to make His face shine upon you and to fill you with His beautiful light.

     2. Then go out today and let it shine! Simply let the Lord’s light overflow from your heart. You can do this by reflecting God’s character in all that you do.

Shine brightly this summer by:
Appreciating your family—even when it’s hard.
Respecting your crabby neighbor.
Helping out around the house.
Keeping your promises.
Being kind, even when it’s not convenient.
Expressing gratitude to God and to others.
Striving for purity in your speech and thoughts.
Sacrificing for your family without complaining.
Forgiving someone who has wronged you.
Sharing what you have with others.

As you reflect God’s character, you will shine out like a star against the utter darkness of the world. Shining your light brings light, beauty and love into places that desperately need it.

The Bible says:
“. . . Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philemon 2:14 NLT

Like the firefly, you may never realize how beautiful your one light is.

You may never see how your light impacts others.

You may never grasp how your light fulfills God’s purpose.

But that doesn’t matter.

Simply let your light shine out this summer. And if we all do that, it will be quite a show.

Related: 7 Easter Promises to Share With Your Kids,  20 Life-Giving Phrases Your Kids Need to Hear.  

This post was first published on Crosswalk.com