As I drop each of my younger children at the Sunday school door, I pat a shoulder and whisper, “Shine for Jesus,” in that little ear. See, it’s a habit we parents adopted a long while ago. Because being positive is so very powerful. Rather than saying, “don’t do… or remember to…”
The focus is positively on Jesus. Because, first and foremost, as His followers, we represent Him when we go out in the world. By our actions, our kindness, our choices, our love. There’s no need to really give any other instruction, is there?
“This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…”
Aren’t we all naturally drawn to the positive? The encouraging? Don’t we feel courageous when we know Who is for us and that He triumphs over those against us?
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
My older children – they are leaving for church youth group and extracurricular events, times with friends. “Shine for Jesus,” I still say.
But, this simple positive? It works for us adults too. Three powerful little words. We too can shine for Jesus.
Shine as stars in the world. Phil. 2:15
~By Tricia at Hodgepodge
nancy says
please pray for me , i ask in JESUS NAME TO HELP ME. GOD KNOWS MY NEEDS AND WANTS, I ASK IN JESUS NAME FOR GRACE, FORGIVENESS, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, PRAY FOR ME. THANKYOU.
Charina says
Nancy, thanks for giving me the opportunity to lift you up in prayer. Be strong. Always remember that God Loves Us, all of us. God Bless You.
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
Yes, Nancy. He knows exactly what we need. Joining in prayer for the specifics you’ve shared plus that peace that surpasses all understanding. Blessings, Tricia
Charina says
Tricia, can you imagine what the world would be like if we all shine for Jesus? What a wonderful, loving world it would be…
Thanks for sharing 🙂
God bless!
All good things,
Charina
Shine for Jesus says
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Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
I want to remember this as I begin raising my first child. I love the reminder to “Shine for Jesus” rather than focusing on “don’t do x, y and z.” Awesome!
Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis says
So encouraging. It’s amazing the difference a positive charge can make rather than a strict rule that sound so discouraging and scorching. I am a first time mom myself, and this a great rule of thumb to follow. I want to encourage my son to be exactly who Jesus made him to be without squelching anything that I deem to be unfit or unruly! What better way to be sure of this. If he is “shining for Jesus” in all that he does, he can’t go wrong! Thank you.
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
Brittnie and Melissa – what wonderful parents you are – to shine forth for Him and pass on His light to your children.
Mary Beth says
Iove this thought. Thanks for sharing an shining.
Jenny says
I love this and will start to encourage my children with these words! I’m a firm believer in positive reinforcement!
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
Oh yes! I know that I, as an adult, so much more respond to the positive and encouraging.
Holley Gerth says
You shine, Tricia, thanks for brightening our day with your words and heart!
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
As stars in the world! I pray it’s Him that shines. Thank you, Holley, for always encouraging.
Rebecca says
Tricia, Thank you for this….I always tell my kinds to protect their heart…and protect their friend’s hearts…(from their own hurtful ways…’cause we all have them…), this morning, as they scampered out of the house…your post came to mind…and I said “Shine Jesus’ light!’…..Thank you!!
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
Rebecca you are such wonderful encouragement to me! I like “Shine Jesus’ light!”
christina says
My mom always used to tell me: “Do what’s right in the sight of God.” : )
Tricia @ Hodgepodge says
Amen Christina!
Sara says
I love this. It’s easy to use negative words this is perfect and positive. Thank you for sharing xx
Modupe says
I love this! Sharing it with my husband now and we are going to try to implement this. Thanks and God bless.
brenda says
I need to say this into the mirror everyday.positive self chatter is so much better
Are Your Children Socialized? says
[…] them at that Sunday School door…send them off for that event… we whisper in their ear, shine for Jesus. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Psalm […]