“Love, love, love, love.” Those were the words spoken over and over again by my sister, Judy, as she was breathing her last breaths. She was so full of love, that is what she wanted to leave reverberating in our ears as she left this world. She didn’t lose her 3-year battle with cancer, as she is now healed and whole with the One she loved above all else. You see, Judy’s passion was Jesus and her joy was to share His hope and love with others. May 26th is her birthday, so around this time I find myself especially remembering her and reflecting on her life. 

Whenever Judy signed her name on a card, she would write a sunshine smiley face; “Let the Son Shine”; and reference Matthew 5:14-16, as pictured. This wasn’t just a cute thing she did, it was her writing her purpose statement wherever she could. She lived to let Jesus shine through her life, while also lovingly and subtly encouraging others to let Him in to shine through their lives as well.

Matthew 5:16 says, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

God has created each of us for a purpose. We can get hung up and overwhelmed on the specifics of what that is, as we try to figure out should I go here or there, do this or that. I think God is less concerned about where we live and what we do, as He is about who we’re becoming. Our purpose is connected to letting Him shine through us more than it is anything else. We’re put on this earth to be a reflection of our Heavenly Father, which points people to God for themselves.

The impact of a life is not determined by years. Though my sister died at age 40, she lived a life that impacted all who met her. Her smile and spirit lit up a room and made you feel hopeful and joyful. Jodi’s mom died at age 46 but is still celebrated as a life-giving difference maker to countless people 31 years later. She made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Our grandson, Jayce, never got a chance to even breathe one breath in this world but has changed our lives forever. 

The “good deeds” of Matthew 5:14 means “actions carried out with an inner desire”. That’s what shining our light is all about. Living with thoughtful intentionality to glorify (give honor to) God. Do our actions match our inner desire to honor God? We all want to know that our lives make a difference. It takes intentionality to live a life that people see God through and are impacted by. It doesn’t happen by accident.

How can we intentionally live a life that honors God and impacts other people’s lives? Pause a moment and think of a couple of things you can do this week, then practice doing them. Let’s “Let the Son Shine” through our lives. That’s how our lives will make the biggest impact in this world…an eternal impact. Know that you’re not on your own in doing this. We just need to yield to Jesus and the shining will come naturally. Now, let’s go and shine!

You are loved much!

Dean
Let the Son Shine!
Matthew 5:14-16

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