You shine as lights in the world. - Philippians 2:15
Some of us
may not especially enjoy poetry. But often a few lines of verse will grip our imagination,
as do the following by Francis Thompson: "The innocent moon that nothing does but
shine, moves all the laboring surges of the world."
The moon is nearly 240,000 miles from Earth and is only 1/400th the size of the sun. With
no light or heat of its own, it reflects the radiance of that greater heavenly body. It
appears to be relatively insignificant. Yet, the moon quietly and almost imperceptibly
moves the oceans of the world by its gravitational pull.
Most of us may not seem all that influential or well-known. We don't have the giftedness,
the wealth, or the position to make much of an impact on our society. Our names don't
appear in the newspaper, nor are they mentioned on television. We may think that all we
can do is practice our faith in the humdrum routines of everyday life. But perhaps,
unnoticed by us, we are having an influence on the people around us by our Christlike
attitudes and actions.
Let's not be concerned, then, about our seeming lack of influence. Instead, do what Jesus
commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
-VCG
Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night;
In this world of darkness we must shine -
You in your small corner, and I in mine.
-Excell
Even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkest night.