Meet Becca Polk

When I read Matthew 5:16, I immediately feel convicted. There's always more we can do to glorify God. He isn't necessarily saying to drop everything and move to Africa as a missionary to help translate Bibles. Shining your light can be played out in whatever way God leads you. 

I go to a Christian school, but that doesn't guarantee that everyone there is a Christian. Many have heard of Him, but they may not know Him. Being in that situation can be challenging at times because there is an expectation that everyone will behave in a way that will glorify Him, but they don't always. You can say "no" to gossiping, questionable movies, etc., but you're still judged and sometimes persecuted for those decisions. 

When you truly shine your light for Christ, the ridicule, exclusion, and hurt you suffer from the outcomes of those decisions won't hurt as much. Jesus never said it was going to be easy, but in shining your light for God, you could unknowingly be helping someone else come to know Jesus as Savior. When others ask, "Why does she act so differently?" "How is he so strong after losing his dad?" Those questions could potentially lead to a life-saving discussion with someone hurting. 

By shining your light even when it's difficult, you make those hard--but right--decisions. You sit with the "weird" girl at lunch, you write an encouraging note to someone whom you know is in a tough spot, you control your tongue when you're in an argument with a sibling. 

The disciples are great examples of "Light-Shiners." They were put through so many tough situations, and they continued to preach the Word. While Paul was in jail, he constantly wrote letters to the churches he had visited or wished to visit, showing them how Jesus' death made them right with God and how Jesus would help them live a good life. If we could all have that kind of courage and perseverance, we could accomplish so much!