Week 24 Devotional | Be a Light

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Great teammates are the light of the team. They are like the stars that light up the sky at night. They are like a lamp that lights the way. They bring much-needed energy, enthusiasm, and passion, and many of them do so from the bench while cheering their teammates on.

Every great team needs great teammates to bring people together, especially when times get tough. Simon Sinek once said, "In a weak culture, people will hunker down and take care of themselves. In a strong culture, people will rise up and take care of each other."

In 2nd Corinthians chapter 4, Paul says that we now have a light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves (2nd Corinthians 4:6-7). In Matthew, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house (Matthew 5:14-16).

We will go through troubles and hard times. We will be pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed, we aren't driven to despair, and we are never abandoned by God (2nd Corinthians 4:8-10). We are a light and we have light in our hearts so that the life of Jesus may be seen in us and through us. Our spirit is being renewed every day, and any trouble that we experience will produce for us a glory that outweighs them and will last forever (2nd Corinthians 4:16-18).

Be a light for your teammates. Be someone that people want to play with. Be someone people are happy and excited to play with. Be encouraging through the good times and the bad. When someone does good, celebrate them. When someone is struggling, encourage them. Sports and life can be hard. We all need people supporting us, loving us, and bringing joy to our lives. Be that for every team that you are on and for every teammate that you have. 

Let your light SHINE.

Click here for more Bible verses about Being a Light.

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