Shine Jesus Shine!

Have you noticed that some people have a way of bringing out the best in others, and then there are the other folks!!  Some people make us want to smile and lift up our heads, and sadly, others bring out the desire to slump down and slink out of the room.  Two ladies, whose names I do not know painted me a picture of these two extremes. Both worked in offices.  The first–I’ll call her the refresher–she was the one who patiently spent time explaining things to me.  She smiled and did not act impatient, even when working with me took extra time!  I left feeling at ease, and she helped make the day a bit brighter. The second–I’ll call her the rebuker–she sighed continually.  Her tone was curt, and her manner made me feel as if I was taking up entirely too much of her time.  Such people “provoke us to pray” so we don’t become provoked! One lady made it easy for me, and the other made it more difficult. As those who love Jesus, we have many opportunities to relate to one another. We can interact in a loving way with one another, making it easier for them to allow the love of Jesus to shine through them, or our actions can be stumbling blocks that they must overcome. The Bible directs us to be the ones whose lives help bring out the beauty of Jesus in others.  In the family, the Lord says:

 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21

 What a challenge specifically given to fathers concerning their children. How difficult it is for a child to shine for Jesus when he feels that he cannot please his father or live up to his expectations!  How different for the child who is raised, knowing the unconditional love of a father who teaches him what it looks like to honor the Lord with his life, knowing that he is accepted by both his earthly and Heavenly Fathers! In the church, we are taught in Hebrews:

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

As the world appears darker, our love for one another and our encouragement given to each other strengthens us to shine in our every-day lives more brilliantly for the Lord.  As we pray with and for each other and help each other grow in our love for Jesus, we make it easier for one another to reflect Him when we are not together. However, the same coming together that should bring out the Lord’s beauty in one another , as we faithfully meet together can have an effect we would never want :

 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

 Sometimes as people get to know each other, we see each other’s flaws and faults.  Speaking against one another, tearing one another down or thinking only of ourselves and our own little corner of the church takes away the beauty of the family that Jesus wants to display. The beauty of Jesus shines through, even our flaws, when we serve each other, as He modeled for us: 

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45

 Let’s make it as easy as possible as we can for others to shine for Jesus, even more and more!