How is your light shining?

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Ephesians 4:29

Light vs. Dark

There’s no doubt that the world we live in can be a dark place. Scripture often uses the image of light to describe how we ought to live in this world. I recently read an interesting article with practical advice on how we, as men, can cast our light around us.

“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it can also feel a bit abstract. So how exactly do we become a beacon to those around us? Here are five practical ways:

1. Be Careful What You Say

The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s serious—and that’s exactly how we should treat our speech. Remember Thumper from Bambi? “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Solid advice for kids—and just as good for adults.

Words are powerful and can be used for good or harm. Paul offers great wisdom in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

2. Consider Your Entertainment

What are you watching? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same shows, or listen to the same songs if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you feel embarrassed?

It seems simple, but these are good questions to ask yourself—whether you're alone or with others.

3. Use Social Media Wisely

Social media, in itself, is amoral—it can be a tool for good, but it can also be a very dark place. When you post, are you aware that people are watching, even if they don’t engage?

Take a moment to reflect on your recent posts—articles, comments, photos. Could they come across as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To impress? To inspire jealousy? To elevate yourself at someone else’s expense?

4. Think About Others

It’s easy to be self-absorbed. How much time and energy do you spend thinking about other people’s needs?

Do you encourage more than you criticize? How patient are you with others? When you question someone’s motives, are you willing to give them the benefit of the doubt?

If you hear gossip, are you drawn to it, or do you distance yourself from it? And when you encounter a difficult person—and they’re out there—do you remind yourself that God loves them just as much as He loves you?

5. Keep Your Batteries Charged

This happens at my house all the time—I need a flashlight, but when I find one, it’s dead as a hammer. Frustrating! It makes me wonder how the Lord feels when He needs me to be a light, but I’m out of energy and running on empty.

Time in the Word and time in prayer keep our lamps trimmed and our batteries charged.

Shine On, Men!

Larry Martin

MD5 Facilitator