Reflection #1 on "Shine" by Newsboys  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 05/10/2004
• author: Ben Z.
• scripture reference: Matthew 5:16

	From the album "Going Public" (1994) Read the song lyrics...

One of my favorite classes in college was Astronomy 181. Not only did I learn a lot about the constellations and our solar system, the professor spoke with a British accent that was fun to listen to. One of the more interesting facts was about sunspots.

Did you know that if you were somehow able to isolate one of these dark spots from the rest of the sun, the sunspot would still be too bright to look at? It's true. The only reason a sunspot looks like a black spot is because, by comparison, the rest of the sun is many times brighter.

Do you ever notice how people tend to think of themselves as one of these isolated sunspots? I do it all the time; I look at myself and what I've accomplished and think "Hey, I'm pretty good."

But when I hold my life up against the light of God's Son, I see myself, much the same way Isaiah did when he was confronted with a vision of God in His temple.

He cried, "Woe to me…I am ruined…for I am a man of unclean lips…and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty" (Isaiah 6:5 NIV). In the presence of the Holy God our sinfulness is shown to be utterly sinful.

Now, here's one more thing I learned about sunspots: They don't stay sunspots forever. Gradually they change until they shine just as bright as the sun. Isn't it wonderful that God wants the same for us? You see, God isn't looking for sunspots who think they are bright enough on their own. God is looking for sons, and daughters to be in His family who will reflect His brilliance to the nations.

The brightness we may think we have on our own is nothing compared to the light of God that will shine through our lives when we allow God to work His miraculous transformation in our lives. Consider these lyrics.

Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let 'em see good works and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord.

These words by the Newsboys echo the words of Matthew: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

Wouldn't it be great to see your neighborhood or even your entire town praising God with one voice? It starts with your decision. Will you allow Christ to shine through you today?

--Ben Z.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:16