The title of this Joy with Jamie post sounds like a dire warning. I know?! If we are finding joy, scaring us doesn’t seem like a great plan, does it. I told you I wasn’t perfect. Maybe I made a mistake? Nah. I actually titled this post that way, because I wanted your attention. Why? Because you have other people’s attention. Yep. They’re watching you.
It may be our children. If you have no children, it may be your co-workers. If you don’t work, it may be your extended family and friends. If you pretty much keep to yourself, it may be the people you interact with when you go out to get groceries or to the doctor. But make no mistake. You are being watched. I know. Still sounding scary. Stay with me.
The Eyes are Your Audience
Each of us has an audience, watching to see how we behave and react to different situations. And we all know that people tend to learn from our actions more than from our words. Yes. I know I am writing this… words… But I also do my best to walk the walk and not just talk the talk each day. I want you to do the same.
There are so many people in the world you have no joy. They have no peace. They have no hope and no faith. Whether they realize it or not, they are searching. Their eyes are constantly watching for any flicker of light. When they find it, they are drawn in. They may be drawn to you, and their eyes will be locked. They will be watching your every move.
Bright Light or Dim Bulb?
Your audience will be looking to see if they light they saw, the light that caught their eye is the real. Each time you forgive something the world says you shouldn’t. Each time you help someone who has no way to repay you. Each time you give of your time and expect no pay. Each time you can be seen with joy, despite your circumstances, your light shines brighter, and thus your audience can see clearly and come closer and closer to you.
With that said, each time you choose to be bitter about something. Each time you talk bad about someone. Each time you try and get someone back for a wrong you feel they did to you. Each time you curse at a driver and give them “the signal” as you pass them by. Each time you do something and expect something in return or want public accolades. Those actions dim your light, and the light just won’t be bright enough to draw them in, and if they do manage to get close, they will not be held there by what they see.
When They Come Close
God told us to go out an share the gospel. In other words, we are to tell people about our light source and how to tap into that. When you do and say the right things with right motives, people will come close enough, over time, for you to share the good news with them. What originally drew them in was the light you were reflecting from God. But when you share the source of the light, then they too can help others find it too.
People do not want to get close to someone who is angry and bitter and spiteful and vengeful. The world offers them that daily, or it promises them the moon and doesn’t deliver. They want to get close to people who genuinely care, have strength and peace, and joy! That person can be you.
Finding Joy: Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have recently drawn people in. What have you done to reflect the light and show them joy. What else could you add to your list that would have your light glowing bright enough to draw them in?
Now, reflect on what you have done that dulls your light? What actions or words would be off putting to someone seeking joy? What have you done or said recently that scared people away? Pick at least one of those things and work on removing them from your list of go to reactions and actions.
Being more of what the world needs to see will bring you joy and help others find joy as well.
Related Scriptures:
Matthew 5:6 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14 – 16 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Titus 2:7 – Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.
Ephesians 5: 8 – 9 – For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).
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