-Devotion by Bethany Ligon (AZ)
1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
School mascots are one of the unifying elements of building culture and community on a campus. As a student and an educator I’ve been associated with more than just a few. I’ve been a: Koala, Hawk, Tiger, Charger, Thunderbird, Wildcat, Lumberjack, Coyote, Cougar, Prospector, and another Cougar and finally, a Spartan. Upon graduating from high school, I received, along with my diploma, a “Once a Charger, Always a Charger” card – which was a game pass for any home game that I wanted to attend as an alumni. At all of these schools, I wasn’t just a student or a teacher on that campus, but I was a (fill in the name of the mascot here). Whether I was on campus, traveling with a school group, or even associating with friends from a different school, I represented my school with the attributes of what our mascot symbolized.
In today’s New Testament reading from 1 Thessalonians, Paul is providing encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica about waiting for Jesus’ return. As we wait for our Lord’s glorious return, we should do so in a manner that embodies who we are in his name.
As children of the Light and children of the Day, we are to live righteously, in peace with others, being generous with our resources, standing firm in our faith, and remaining on alert and self-controlled.
A favorite childhood chorus, “This Little Light of Mine”, is a declaration that the Light lives in us – it’s not just something that we possess, but it’s part of who we are. And because of this truth, we cannot help but shine the Lord’s Light everywhere we go.
This Light influences how we interact with each person with whom we cross paths.
This Light directs the short-term and long-term decisions we make.
This Light prompts us to persevere through trials.
This Light guides us towards godliness.
This Light counsels us when we’re confused and corrects us when we veer off course.
This Light spurs us to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
As you go about your day, consider how you can best illuminate the space you’re in with the Light that comes from our Lord.
Reflection Questions
- Who have you witnessed shining as a child of the light? What was helpful, beautiful and appealing about that light?
- Do you see yourself as a child of the light? How do you shine? Are there any spaces that you occupy, or people you come in contact with, that you do not currently shine as bright?
- “As you go about your day, consider how you can best illuminate the space you’re in with the Light that comes from our Lord.”
Prayer
Dear Father – I thank You for Your light which shines through Your Son and all Your children. Show us what belongs to the night/darkness and what comes from You. Help us shine every day and in every situation we are in so that others may see more clearly You and Your way that leads to life.
Seek Grow Love 