A Bright Spot in Our World Today

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.

If you follow the news in this day in age you will find that the subject matter seems rather dark. Global Recession, Swine Flu, Drug in Mexico, Homicides, Robberies, etc. . . There are also things in our own lives that get us down. Perhaps the loss of a job, the loss of a home, or the loss of a loved one. There are also the trials and tribulations of dealing with others, be they family or friends. None of us are perfect, only God is, and I know that my light does not always shine before others. However, I hope that I can shine some light into your lives.

When we start focusing soley on the things of the world we lose sight of the good things, gifts / blessings, that God gives us. There seems to be an overwhemling attitude of entitlement in our society today. It seems that so many want the government to take what others have earned on their own, and dole it out on behalf of those who have not earned. Yes there are truly needy people out there, and God wants us to help them. Churches and civic organizations can only do this if people like you, yes you, take the responsibility to step up and help. Instead of being upset because you may not have the latest "toys" look around and you will see that there are those less fortunate than you. If you have food, water, and a roof over your head give thanks to God. Then, when you are done giving thanks, pray about how you can help those less fortunate.

There also seem to be a sense of doom and gloom fed by the mass media. Guess what . . . "If it bleeds, it leads." is the mantra of the news media. Sensational stories sell advertising. Like a bunch of zombies people stare at their television set, and blindly buy the hype. I once had the opportunity to meet a retired Police Physcologist who shared an interesting insight with me. He said "If you job is to pick up garbage, pretty soon all you will see is garbage." When we sit and watch the television day after day that's what we see. We forget that those sensational news stories are about 1% of the population and that the other 99% wouldn't even contemplate the activities reported. Learn to look beyond the garbage.

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that if you spend you life focused on worldy things, you are bound to be miserable here on earth. The good news is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, so if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then your reward in heaven will be the same no matter what you have here on earth. Instead of focusing on the things of this world, focus on God and what he as done for you. Give thanks for what you have, and go out to be a light for others. It is not really our light that shines before men, it is God's light passed on through us.

We have a roof over our head, food on the table, and water to drink. I am not always able to help others with money, but I can still help through good works. I also get to spend time with my children. I firmly believe that children are a blessing from God, and you can't put a price on time you spend with them. I hope that God's light will shine through me, so that I may pass it on to others that they too may let it shine before all men.