16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

The first of my personal mission statement is ”To shine on all I meet”. This has a dual meaning for me. First, it is a reminder to be kind to everyone and second it is to reflect God’s light on all I meet.

Now, you may think I have that backward, God should always come first. But how can I reflect God’s light on people without first setting out to be kind personally. By doing so I work to make sure God is in every interaction. I am not 100% good at it, but I try very hard.

It is interesting too how many mistake kindness for weakness. God does not call on us to be weak. No, He calls on us to be strong and courageous. He wants people sold out to The Way and unafraid to speak truth into a world riddled with falseness. However, our truth must be God’s truth.

Remember too, it is arrogance and pride that makes us put ourselves first. This is not glorifying to the Father. No, we must strive to put others first, even when we are in places of authority. In fact, even more so in this case.

When people know we are genuine in our desire to put them first, and we speak clearly the truth of God through our lives, how can God’s light not shine brightly?