How Closely do People have to Look?*

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, November 2007~Volume 7, Number 8

The hand-copied document had been finalized and was now only lacking a cluster of daring signatures. Who would be the first to sign, if need be, his life away? John Hancock was no coward. While writing in distinct, large letters, he said the following to his fellow Congressmen: “There, George the Third can read that without his spectacles.” Here was a man, boldly declaring his independence and willingness to sacrifice all for the cause of liberation from a tyrannical force. What was this document he so confidently endorsed? It was America’s Declaration of Independence.

How brightly do we shine for Jesus? Do we allow His light to permeate our lives and spread to others? Or is that light hidden, perhaps by worldly activities, attitudes, desires, actions, words, or attire? Do people have to use a microscope when discerning whether we are Christians? There should be no need to “look for” a reflection of Jesus in a Christian’s life. It should be obvious, bold, clear, large, penetrating every crack of darkness in the world.
  
Shine for Jesus, dear sisters! He is always worth shining for. May no person whom we meet question our love for Him. May no person we meet need a microscope to discern whether we are dedicated to His work. May every person we meet quickly realize our love for our Savior and our deep desire to conform to His image.
 
P.S. Remember also that when looking for faults, we should use a mirror, not a telescope. (I got that tip from a book!)