AUGUST 9, Matthew 5:16

Debbie was unhappy that night. After a quiet dinner, she plopped down in the nearest chair.“Oh, I just dislike my class, Mom,”she said. “I don’t think there’s a single girl in my class who goes to church and tries to live right, except me. The other girls use bad language, and they talk about going places where I would never go. I sure need a Christian friend at school.”

Mother nodded. And she motioned Debbie to follow her as she opened the door to the storeroom which was unlit. She had a torch in her hand. “Come here and hold the torch for me,” she said. Debbie took it and turned it on as they entered the small storeroom. “If you can win some of those girls in your class to Jesus, you’ll have some Christian friends at school,” said Mother thoughtfully. “Do they know you’re a Christian?”

“Well… I have not said anything,” admitted Debbie. “I just know they would make fun of me.” She sighed. “It is so much easier to be a Christian in church.” She turned the torch toward the light fixture that had a blownup bulb. Mom quickly screwed out the old bulb and replaced it with a new one. “Dear,” said Mom as they returned to the hall, “where was that torch needed – in the kitchen or in the storeroom?”

“In the storeroom, of course,”answered Debbie.“That is where it was dark.”

“That is right,” agreed Mother. “I was just thinking about what Jesus said – that we are to let our lights shine for Him – and our light is needed most in dark places, perhaps like the class you are in now.”

“I suppose you are right, Mom,” said Debbie with a sigh.

Mom gave her a hug. “Why don’t you give one of the girls a call and invite her to come to Sunday school and church with you?” she suggested. “Maybe she could come for tea, too, and you could spend the afternoon together. How does that sound?”

“Sounds pretty good,” decided Debbie. “I will try Karen first.”

Thought: Is it hard for you to speak up and live for Jesus?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please grant me the courage to “shine” for You every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.