The Flashlight

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:13-16

Maxton finally agreed to go to church with us,” Kwame told his mother, “but then this afternoon, he changed his mind. I wonder why?” Mom looked thoughtful but didn’t say anything.

Shortly after Kwame went up to bed that night, he came back downstairs. “Mom, do we have any flashlight batteries? My flashlight doesn’t work.” Mom watched while Kwame unscrewed the end. “Look!” he said. “There are old rags stuffed in here where the batteries should be! Who did this?” He began pulling them out. “I bet it was Elodie!” He started for his sister’s room.

“Hold it, Kwame!” Mom said. “Elodie didn’t do that. I did.”

Kwame stopped in his tracks. “You? But—why?” He looked at the rags. “They have words written on them—selfishness, disobedience, lying, complaining.” Kwame turned to his mother. “What is this?”

“I wanted to illustrate something,” Mom replied. “Just like old rags in the flashlight kept its light from shining, the things written on the rags will keep your light from shining brightly for Jesus. I’ve noticed some of those things in your life quite often lately, and when I heard that Maxton changed his mind about coming to church, I wondered if maybe he had noticed them too. I saw the look on his face this afternoon when I asked you to help me with the groceries and you were very rude to me.”

“Well, I…” Kwame was ashamed as he thought about the day. He knew that in addition to the grocery incident, Maxton had heard him tell his teacher he had finished a reading assignment—and Maxton knew that wasn’t true. He had also seen Kwame be a bad sport in gym class and lose his temper on the playground.

“Jesus wants to get rid of the things that keep your light from shining brightly,” said Mom. “Tell Him what you’ve done and ask Him to forgive you. Then trust Him to let His love and light shine in your life. When you really shine for Jesus, Maxton and your other friends will be able to see what He’s like and how He’s changed you.”

Kwame nodded. “I’ll tell Jesus I’m sorry,” he said. “And I’ll tell Maxton I’m sorry too.” – Agnes Livezey

How About You?

Is your light shining brightly for Jesus? Or do some of the things you do or say get in the way? Don’t let sinful actions or attitudes keep others from seeing the light of Jesus in you. Confess your sin to Him and ask Him to forgive you. Then let others see Jesus in the way you live your life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let God’s light shine through you