Let your light shine through the darkness in this world! Ever tried to hide your light or dim it so you won’t stand out? Ever considered the benefits of light? Have you noticed what happens when there is no light and people are wandering around in darkness? Let’s be the dads who let our lights shine so that it will benefit our wives in our marriages, our kids in our families, and our friends and contacts in the world.
Let Your Light Shine in Your Marriage
As husbands, our light should be a reflection of Christ’s love for the church. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This sacrificial love is the light that should shine brightly in our marriages, demonstrating patience, kindness, and humility. By putting our wives’ needs before our own and consistently showing appreciation and support, we illuminate the path to a healthy, God-honoring relationship. Practical applications include daily acts of kindness, regular communication, and praying together, ensuring that our marriages are beacons of God’s love.
Key Takeaway: Our marriages should reflect Christ’s love, sacrificial and selfless.
Practical Application: Engage in daily acts of love and kindness, communicate regularly, and pray together.
Let Your Light Shine in Your Family
As fathers, we have a divine calling to lead our children by example. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Our actions, attitudes, and words should guide our children towards God’s truth and love. We must be intentional in teaching them biblical values and instilling in them the importance of integrity, respect, and compassion. This can be achieved through family devotions, open discussions about faith, and leading by example in our daily lives. By doing so, we not only nurture our children’s spiritual growth but also equip them to be lights in their own circles.
Key Takeaway: Fathers are called to lead their children by example, guiding them toward God’s truth.
Practical Application: Conduct family devotions, engage in open discussions about faith, and model biblical values.
Let Your Light Shine in the World
Our influence extends beyond the walls of our homes; it reaches into our workplaces, communities, and beyond. Philippians 2:15 encourages us to “shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” In a world often overshadowed by darkness, our integrity, work ethic, and compassion can be a testament to God’s transformative power. Whether through volunteering, offering support to those in need, or simply living out our faith authentically, we can be a positive force for change. Practical steps include engaging in community service, mentoring others, and sharing our faith through actions and words.
Key Takeaway: Our Christian influence should extend into our communities and workplaces.
Practical Application: Engage in community service, mentor others, and share your faith through your actions and words.
The Power of Shining Brightly
In conclusion, letting our light shine in every aspect of our lives—marriage, family, and community—honors God and fulfills our purpose as Christian men. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” When we embrace our role as bearers of light, we not only benefit those around us but also bring glory to God. Our marriages will thrive, our children will grow in faith, and our communities will witness the love of Christ through our actions. Let us commit to shining our lights brightly, never hiding them, and trusting that God will use us to illuminate the darkness around us.
By embodying the light of Christ in our marriages, families, and communities, we honor God and fulfill our calling. Through practical steps like daily acts of love, family devotions, and community engagement, we can be the dads that God, our families, and the world need us to be.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: LET IT SHINE
Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
Let the light of God shine in and through us
Today’s Devotional speaks to the importance of the Bible, not only as a good source for reading but also for hearing from God because it is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training to ensure we are thoroughly equipped. God’s Word is sharper than a double-edged sword and can cut to the core of every situation and circumstance we are, can, and will face. Today’s Devotional starts with an interesting question for us to consider: “Is the Bible a road map you refer to when you need direction?” and continues with the question “Is it a spotlight that shines into the deepest corners of your heart and soul?” It also asks “is it a coach that motivates you to persevere?”
Today’s Devotional explains how the Bible, “the Word of God is, in fact, all three.” As we mentioned above “God’s Word directs us, convicts us, and encourages us”! Have you ever heard that God’s Word is a Love Letter from our Heavenly Father? I found this site and resources many years ago that you can check out between the text versions, the audio versions, and also the videos. Check out this video example:
God’s Word Shines like a light unto our feet and lamp unto our feet
Today’s Devotional speaks to the value of God’s Word. “all scripture is God-breathed” and “comes from the eternal heart of God.” Let’s be the dads who grab onto the reality that God’s Word “is both universal (all its truth applies to all people and situations) and personal (all its truth applies directly to your life).” Today’s Devotional informs us that we are blessed to have God’s Word accessible to us so that we can know the truth (right doctrine), stay on track (reproof and correction), and live to please God in everything we do (training in righteousness).”
Today’s Devotional challenges us with the following questions and thoughts:
- “Are you spending time in God’s Word?”
- “Are you allowing God ti give you direction, light, and motivation you need?”
Let’s be the dads who do and choose to “set aside time to let God speak to us personally through the wonderful light of His Word.”
“[God] has sent us sixty-six love letters etched in heavenly handwriting. And the more we meditate upon those words, the clearer his voice will resonate.”
HANK HANEGRAAFF
