I’m often startled when I stop and see that the verse I’m reading draws a line to the events of the previous day. I often get a practical example from my everyday life that the Holy Spirit uses to reveal new truths to me from the Word. Sometimes it’s like a slap in the face.

You see, I was at a function last night. I’m not sure if everyone was a believer and now I wonder if I let my light shine bright enough. Was I like Eskom where I let my own loadshedding descend on the world?

What does this verse say to you: ¹¹Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices.

I wonder if this is like a slap in the face for you too? Do you and I always act right in front of the people who do not know Jesus? Do we get opposition because we do exactly what Jesus expects of us?

I must hang my head in shame. When I look back at the film of my life, I see many times that my way of life and the way of life of the people I hang out with are more or less the same.

If a stranger had peered through the window last night and knew there were Christians and non-Christians present, would he have been able to distinguish the Christians by looking at our actions? At last night’s function, I suspect not …

We are instructed to live an exemplary life at all times, in front of non-Christians and away from them. We must be an example of how one lives life right. We must show people what it means to live according to the will of God.

Through our way of living and doing, people must be able to experience the love that God has for them. Our way of walking must attract them to a life with God.

I suspect we all don’t always get it right. Life happens. We get hurt. We get angry. Emotions run high. We forget our foundation and allow ourselves to be pushed down the wrong path.

Then we want to close the door and lie down on the bed, never going out and stepping into the hole again. But that’s not what we should do.

We should rather go down on our knees and apologize for the wrong turn. When we do, and that’s the good news, our misstep is forgiven. Then we are clean before the Father.

Then we can step out into the world with a new clean life and try again. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can show our friends and family what it means to live as a new, clean person in the world.

Then one day they will also glorify God, not because we are so good, but because He is the loving Father who forgives and who even loves sinners. All made possible by Jesus Christ alone.

Scripture
1 Peter 2:9-12

Reflection
Where did you not shine your light?
Where should you go to do it?
How will you do it differently this time?

Prayer
Father, I make many mistakes and sometimes I don’t turn on my light. Sometimes I add to the darkness of the world. Please help me shine my light. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.