Whether we are at school or work within the typical, daily grind, at home for the holidays enjoying life with family and friends, or pining away for unpleasant reasons unanticipated, we can make the effort to be a light to our communities.
In the days when we may feel “stuck” or experiencing unexpected situations, we can choose to focus on Jesus Christ and God’s will for us, lifting up His words to our families closest to us and those we hold dear to our hearts near and far.
For those, such as our students and the children around us, let them see the light of Jesus shining in us and through how we care for them.
In 2nd Corinthians, Paul says, “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart,” (2 Cor. 4:1) followed by, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,” (2 Cor. 4:6).
Why should we do this?
Paul reminds and encourages: “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. / So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, / as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal,” (2 Cor. 4:15-18). Let’s try to worry less because “... we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.... So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him,” (2 Cor. 5:1-9).
How can we do this?
According to Paul, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.... Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God,” (2 Cor. 5:11-20).
For teachers in openly Christian school settings, these discussions and prayer sessions are supported and welcome. In public school settings, although the atmosphere may be more restricted, we can let His light shine through us by encouraging those who bring prayer and words of God to us while also taking care to show warmth, kindness, and compassion to those who may not have an understanding of how to receive Jesus into their lives and hearts just yet. God can provide opportunities for them to reach Him through us. If we shut the students out from us, we may make those lines of communication with Him more difficult for them.
Take time to check on our students and communities. How can you reach out - even during times we may be physically apart? Emails, phone calls, school or work communication platforms, local churches and community resource centers? Seek out ways to reach those in need of His light!
Remember: “We are ambassadors for Christ!”
