In some parts of the world, Christians practice evangelism
by sending a young Christian couple to a village to live and
work. The couple begins their family and lives faithfully day
after day at home, in the village, and at work. Only when others
begin to question this family’s peace and joy does the couple
share the light of Christ that fills their hearts and minds. They
do not attempt to coerce but to share the story that brought them
to faith.

I once heard it said that we may be the only Bible someone
else will ever read. The psalmist writes, “Happy are those who
fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.” Notice
the correlation between happiness and doing justice. The righteous
do not fear; they move forward with steady hearts, giving
freely to the poor. Their happiness goes beyond mere smiles to a
sense of wholeness and fulfillment. It does not mean a life without
troubles; rather, an understanding that God does not create
the troubles but gives us the strength to live through them. Those
who walk with this kind of faith draw others to them.

Walking in God’s commandments enables us to “rise in the
darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful,
and righteous.” We too can be the light for others by reflecting
on God’s commandments to love God with our heart, mind, and
spirit and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

We may ask ourselves these questions as we continue our
journey in faith: Where have we been a light to others struggling
in life’s shadows? Where have we failed to love those
closest to us? Our examination of our lives today may open new
possibilities for spiritual renewal as we live out our Christian
commitment.