More From Peg Arnold

Did you ever notice that some lights sparkle and some shine? Shining lights are steady radiating beams, whereas sparkling and glistening usually imply irregular or interrupted flashes of light. For example, we may say the stars shine and sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. Those are always steady shining lights. Regardless of the type, all lights dispel darkness when they are illuminated.

Jesus was the light of the world, the ultimate light. He encouraged us to be light so we can shine his love in the lives of others. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” As his followers, we are called to reflect his light in the world around us.

What kind of light do you reflect? A sparkling light is one that shines irregularly. If you sparkle, you have times when God is not reflected through you—maybe because of a struggle, fatigue, or busyness. But a shining light is consistent in its glow. It may be dimmer sometimes, but the light never flickers. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Eph. 5:8, NIV). To walk as a child of the light means living in a way that reflects the character of God. 

Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). The good deeds he refers to are actions that demonstrate love and acceptance. God said to love both him and others. When we do this to the best of our abilities, we shine. But sometimes the stresses of life may cause us to sparkle instead of shine. Here are four verses that can help us to shine consistently. To make them easier to remember, they spell out STAR.

• Seek God first: “Seek first [God’s kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).
• Trust God completely: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Prov. 3:5).
• Align your heart with God’s: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right . . . think on these things ” (Phil. 4:8).
• Rely on God’s word: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Ps. 119:105).

Instead of sparkling this season, be the light of Jesus and shine like a STAR.