Shine God's Light and Love

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to spend time with a bright young boy, while visiting his grandparents.  When he said he wanted to play a game, I offered to play one with him. His Grandma accidentally brought out a chess game, thinking it was checkers; he said, No, this is the game I wanted.  I was stunned that this boy, only 6-years-old, could play chess, and asked, "Do you know how to play chess?"  He nodded and said, Yeah.  

  

He then showed me how to set the different pieces on the board.  He said he wanted white pieces; so he got to move first.  As we played, I observed that he knew how to move each of the 6 pieces, that all have different rules on how they can move differently. He understood the basic rules of chess.  After my moves, He examined possible consequences of how my move might affect his.  As the game went on, I encouraged him to consider all his options on his possible moves and tried to coach him a bit.  I was impressed with this child's understanding of this complex game.  After we finished, and I visited and prayed with with him and his grandparents, he politely offered me a piece of chocolate.  I left amazed at his potential, which renewed my hope for the younger generation.

After reflecting on this, every heart and mind has unlimited potential, as that young child does.  God looks past the outward appearance, to see the heart.  God sees whether we love Him with all our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27), or just halfheartedly, or ignore or reject Him.  It's tempting for us to show a good side to others only when we want something from the other person, while ignoring God's Word and Christ's command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Galatians 5:13-15)   But those who truly love God express their love for others.  They shine as lights in a dark world, as the Master directs us in Matthew 5:14-16.  So often Christians are known for our judgmental attitudes, but it’s more Christ-like to shine God’s love and light.  To God be the glory for all his light in this dark world!