Shine Like the Stars

Written by Emily Rosanna Hird (UK, Teen Representative for Crown of Beauty Mag)
Follow on Twitter: @Emily_Rosannaa
Tumblr: emilyrosanna.tumblr.com

I know myself, from recent experience that the world can often be a scary place to enter into, especially with non-believers. But let me introduce and remind you of a scripture in Philippians that I absolutely love!

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Philippians 2:14-16

It is only over the past 3 years that I have realized the meaning of this beautiful passage. It is holding on to the truth (the word of God) so tightly that when I am even in the darkest of places I will still be letting my light shine, glowing even brighter than before.

When we have the spirit of God living inside of us and a sparkle in our hearts that is so unique, people won’t be able to help but notice something different about us.

In the book of John (Chapter 1 verse 5) it says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never distinguish it.” This means that whatever is going our lives, the light of God within us will always overcome it! Like a mirror reflects whatever is looking into it, we are to reflect Christ’s light that it is in us, for the people in our lives to see.

There are so many ways we can do this! Over these past few months I have learned a few new things so I am going to give you my five super-secret top tips!

1) Learn to be joyful, not just happy! “The joy of The Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10

I don’t know if you have read this scripture before, but I think it is just wonderful! Being joyful doesn’t just mean being happy on the good days, but on the bad too.

In the past I have tried to rely on circumstances to make me happy and would end up happy for a very short amount of time compared to the time I spent being sad and lonely. Instead of this we need to trust in God and his unfailing love, because it gives us the reassurance that everything in our lives is already taken care of.

I had a friend say to me recently that out of everybody in my class, I am the happiest. I don’t know about you but when someone says something like that to me if makes me feel really encouraged as a representative of Christ! Not only does a smile make you look and feel beautiful, but it will often make people wonder what you have that they haven’t.

2) Love unconditionally!

We’ve all heard the scripture in Matthew when Jesus talks about loving your enemies, but what does it really mean? If you aren’t familiar with this passage here it is.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’ but I say, love your enemies! Pray for those that persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:43-45

It is easy to love the loveable, but what about the unlovable? There are often people who will offend you, mock you, criticize and hurt you. But as Christians we are called to love them despite all of this. Continue to be kind to those that treat you harshly, God sees your goodness and will always reward you for it! Even if their words or actions are wrong we are still asked to give them the grace that God has given us.

3) Stay positive!

In the first verse we looked at (Philippians 2:14-16) it talks about doing everything without grumbling or arguing. This can simply be being optimistic about the simplest of things and complaining less. Being positive is such a marvelous thing in a world full of people that can be so negative. When you decide to do so, to them you will be like a sun shining brightly on a cloudy day!

4) Be a friend

It is so refreshing to meet somebody who you can truly call a good friend. I have learned from past experience that nothing is more of a treasure than finding one. Wherever you go and whatever you do, there will always be somebody who needs a friend more than we do. I think almost all of us can say that at some point in our lives there’s been a time where we needed a friend. It could be something as simple as just listening and letting our friends know that we care or encouraging them when they’re feeling down.

5) Stand firm in your faith

My last super-secret top tip is standing up for what you believe in. This I know can be one of the hardest ones to do when you’re in school, college, work, or for life in general. Having the courage to be different and go against the flow can be so hard, but will always be worth it. Continue to do what you know is right and stay true to your values even if others don’t approve of it, the only opinion that matters is Gods.

So there we are! My top five tips on how to shine like a star! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it!

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