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– So You Can Shine Brightly

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

A three-way light bulb illuminates a room, at various degrees of brightness, depending upon the wattage you choose. For a light bulb to work, you need to fasten it into a socket, have a trustworthy energy source, and switch on the lamp. Without such thought and action, the light remains off, and your room stays dark.

In the same fashion that a light bulb illuminates a room, your life has the power to brighten the lives of those around you. However, to keep your spiritual glow, it’s vital for you to recognize how God wired you and what He has empowered you to do. Knowing which personality type you are, an extrovert or an introvert, will help you live and function at your optimum capacity.

The difference between the two is; extroverts are very social and gain their energy by being around people. They are alive and vibrant when attending events and social gatherings. Left alone, they quickly lose their energy and flare for life. Typically, they shine best at the sparkling 125-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

On the other hand, introverts are less social, and gain their energy when alone. Being in large crowds and having to attend many activities, absorbs their energy and ability to function well. They’re most effective in smaller settings and require much quiet time to refuel and keep going. Solitude and simplicity are a healthier way of life for introverts. Normally, they shine best at the serene 50–75-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6 NIV

If you are an extrovert playing it safe by functioning in the role of an introvert, you will quickly become bored, unfulfilled, and lose your vibrant glow. God wired you a certain way and desires that you find the outlet(s) that you can plug into where you can shine brighter and have a wider impact on the lives of others.

If you are an introvert functioning in an extroverts’ setting for a length of time, without appropriate times of rest and renewal, you run the risk of burning out. Thus, it’s wise to allow God to lead you to the good deeds, He desires, according to the grace He gives you; so you won’t burnout. You’ll be happier, and you’ll have the energy to keep shining brightly.

Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, when you permit God’s Holy Spirit to energize you from within, for the various things God empowers you to do, you’ll happily and powerfully shine brightly for the Lord and illuminate the lives around you.

“Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 HCSB

By Barbara Alpert
used by permission

RELATED READING

• Story of Shining Your Light
• The Light of the World  (poem)
• Let God’s Light Through