"BE A LIGHT"

Be a light

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO MY LOVELY GRANDPA MARIANA A.MALLYA WHO BROUGHT ME UP AND ENABLED ME TO SHINE

MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE

       

BE A LIGHT

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is called “the true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Throughout the New Testament, the followers of Jesus are called to be lights in the darkness. So, what does it mean to shine? It means:

Being counter-cultural. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we’re commanded to live a different way—to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14)

Putting yourself out there. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16a). He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, you’re called to be a light to the people around you. That’s only possible if you’re taking time to interact with people and cultivate relationships.

Always pointing back to the light source. When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.

WHAT ACTUALLY KEEPS YOU FROM SHINING?

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? –Matthew 7:3”

It’s easy to see the shine of a new diamond ring from across the room. But over time, that shine can dull as dust collects on it.

In the same way, sin can dull our shine as lights for Jesus Christ. Our lives which once sparkled with the joy of Christ can become clouded with a love for things of this world.

Before you can be a light to others, take a look at your own life. Has sin dulled the evidence of Christ in you? Maybe it’s time to stop, take a moment and ask God to reveal any sins you might be ignoring. If there’s a sin you repeatedly struggle with, write it down and pray over it continually. Ask God for His forgiveness and help in changing your heart. We’ll never be perfect, but we need to address our sin—partly because it impacts others. Some of the perceptions that keep you from shining and how to overcome them.

Fear of judgment .This fear is very rooted in the desire to be accepted. Humans are wired to be a part of a tribe for survival. Sometimes this fear comes from parents who had high expectations or were unavailable. The fear looks like:

·        What makes me special?

·        Why someone would chose me?

·        My ideas, visions, and dreams are stupid.

·        I’m a fraud.

·        I’m not ___ enough.

·        What if it doesn’t work?

·        It can’t work. Why would it work?

These judgments often come from our own self and rarely allow us to take the idea or vision to fruition. If we are courageous enough to share it with someone close to us, their own fear and the energy of our fear leads them to cast doubts, further halting momentum.

Solution: Stand with both feet pressing into the floor. Repeat your fear. Ask yourself, “What if that is not true?” Keep asking until you have nothing left. In that space of emptiness, breathe deeply, raise your hands up towards the ceiling, and repeat “I am here now” three times. Then decide what is one small thing you can do (inspired action) immediately to get closer to that vision. Do it.

You have a unique expression and purpose. The world is waiting for you to show up and reveal yourself. Not everyone will resonate with you. Some will be completely out of sync, in fact. That’s okay. You’re not here to serve all 7 billion people of the world. Even if you only serve 1/10 of 1 percent, that’s a lot. Start looking for the people who connect to your purpose and passion. That is where the magic happens.

Fear of abandonment/loss of love

Let’s face it, rejection sucks. Our soul loves connection. If you have ever experienced rejection, especially early in your childhood, you know how debilitating this fear can be! This fear is often hidden in layers. It can look like:

·        I’m scared of letting people down and it keeps me paralyzed.

·        I don’t want people to think I am selfish.

·        I go along with what others want when it is not in my best interest or my desires.

·        I have to be good.

·        Perfectionism — often keeping you redoing trying to get it “just so” and never quite getting it there.

·        If I succeed and become bigger than my partner, then what?

·        I have to work harder, stay busy, and keep pushing. I don’t have time for myself.

·        I have to be all things to all people. I don’t want to leave anyone out.

There is a neediness that underlies this fear that drives a search for love and acceptance outside of one’s self. That love and acceptance has to start within.

Solution: Every single time you put someone else’s needs above yours, you abandon yourself. Would you be willing to take a small chance and put yourself first. Make a list of the things you love to do (and maybe haven’t in a while), want to do, and want to have. I challenge you to try to find 10 items for this list! 

SO, HOW EXACTLY DO YOU SHINE

Do not be conformed to this world … —Romans 12:2a,

Be careful what you say. The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

 Here are some tips on how to tame the tongue.

o   “Do not speak against [slander] one another, brethren” (James 4:11). The word brethren refers to fellow believers. That’s us! Why do we “speak against” fellow believers? I confess I am prone to slander when I feel insecure. In some morbid way, putting down another person helps me feel better, showing how little I understand God’s love for me. Today when I am tempted to slander, I pause and ask myself, “Do I feel secure in God’s love today?” That question puts the brakes on the bicycle.

o   “Do not complain, brethren, against one another” (James 5:9). Over the years I have been complimented for not being a complainer. I’m grateful for the commendation—but you should hear what goes on inside. Years ago I started “now-and-then” journaling. When I feel frustrated, I write my complaints in my quiet time journal, explaining how I feel about certain people or incidents. I end with a one-sentence prayer of surrender. The Lord can handle my ranting. By telling Him, I don’t need to tell others. This discipline reminds me that God is sovereign over the cause of my complaints—lying politicians, annoying co-workers, late bodaboda’s.

o   “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no” (James 5:12). This sounds like Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:34-37: “Make no oath at all, either by heaven … or by earth … but let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.'” I used to think this was about cussing, but it’s more than that. The Jews of Jesus’ day could hardly speak without invoking oaths to give their statements credibility. For example: “My camel is the fastest in the land, and if not, may I die without children!” Similarly today, we “pad up” our statements because we don’t think we have enough personal gravity to simply say yes or no. Some people bolster their words with a “by God,” wordy exaggerations, threats or emotional displays. Padding our words shows that we do not believe God is for us. To apply this, I simply try to give short answers. Too simple? Try it.

Where to start? Should we simply keep quiet? Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise.” Though keeping silent lessens embarrassment, it prevents you from edifying others or speaking up in the presence of evil. The chain connecting heart and tongue cannot be broken. For good or bad, it will always be there. But try this: Before you speak, pause and ask, “Why did I almost say that? What is my motive?” Then honestly submit: “Lord, I confess I was about to slander Mary because I am jealous of her good looks. Amen.” This momentary silence may invite stares from your friends. Simply tell them you are confronting your sins. “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). This is serious!

Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What videos or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others. We believe that there is a legitimate place for entertainment in the life of the child of God. The Christian may relax, go on a vacation from time to time, have some fun, and enjoy the good gifts that God has bestowed upon him and his family. Paul writes to Timothy, "Every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (1 Tim. 4:4, 5). That passage is important for the understanding of our subject, for it warns against legalism and a too strict view of the Christian life, and it tells us that we can use all things that God has made, keeping two things in mind: first, the Word of God instructs us how to use God's creatures and gifts, and secondly, by prayer in respect to this use, His gifts are sanctified unto us.

Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord. So how can we utilize social media wisely in a way that will reach unbelievers with the Gospel and won’t harm your friends:

o   Consider anything you say on social media to be permanent. Yes, you can delete or scrub regretful things you have said on social media but, more times than not, the information can still be retrieved. And countless people take screen shots the moment they see something unwisely posted.

o   You can be misunderstood often on social media. The readers or viewers usually cannot see your body language. They don’t know your humor or sarcasm. If you have any question about something you will post, don’t post it.

o   Attacks on other people’s character or positions are considered cowardly by many. The reader or the viewer typically sees the person writing the information as one who hides behind a keyboard or microphone. They wonder if the writer would have the courage to say the same things in person.

o   Churches and other Christian organizations are checking social media of Christians. It has become more commonplace for churches and Christian organizations to do a social media background check of potential candidates. And I recently conversed with a pastor who was fired from his church because of something he posted on Facebook. And remember, at the risk of being redundant, most of the words or photos or videos you have posted are permanently recorded.

o   The non-Christian world is watching Christians attack each other on social media. Our Christian witness is compromised again and again by our social media actions. When we say or write scathing attacks on others, non-believers see us as hypocritical, inconsistent, and unworthy of emulating.

I’m thankful for social media. No other platform in the world allows me to interact with people from all over the country and the world. I’ve had the chance to engage people in discussions about the Gospel and theology that I otherwise would not have been able to. For that I am eternally thankful for this modern tool of ministry. But, we must remember that social media is a tool and must be used as one. My Priest Mtewele reminded us that words, like toothpaste, cannot be taken back once it has come out.

Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

Accept praise graciously. The best thing about being a shining star is receiving praise for a job well done. Don't shy away from praise or pass it off on someone else. Accept every kind word and amazing compliment and bask in it. No, this doesn't mean you're selfish or cocky or full of yourself. It means you know that you're a star and you're happy that other people know it too. It's tempting to shrug off praise, but don't. You deserve it. 

Tune in to yourself. Listen to yourself first and foremost. When you get an idea, don't be the first one to shoot it down. Believe you can do it. Encourage yourself. Fill your mind with the belief that you can do ANYTHING, and you'll find that you can. When you hear negative voices whispering that you're not good enough or can't do it, silence them immediately. Listen to the real you -- the you that believes you can do whatever you believe you can do.

Break down barriers. When barriers are so tall that you can't easily jump over them, break them down. Even if you have to use a tiny chisel and it takes all day long, you CAN break down the barriers in your life. You don't have to sit back and watch life pass you by because something is standing in the way of your awesomeness. If it's in your way, get rid of it. You deserve to shine and no wall of "you can't do it" should stand in your way! 

I wish you best of Lucky!!

Leap over obstacles. When you encounter things or people standing in your way, use all of your strength and creativity to maneuver around them or leap over them. Those who aren't supportive of you and who don't believe you are a star should be left in the dust. Those activities that don't showcase your true talents should also be left behind. Who needs those anyway? 

Emphasize your strengths. We all have strengths and weaknesses. No one is perfect. So instead of harping on your less-than-perfect traits, focus on what you can do, what you're good at. If possible, get a job (or a hobby) that highlights your abilities. This will reinforce your true awesomeness and remind you of what a stellar being you are. Focus on the good in you! 

Take care of your mind and body. By keeping your mind and body in good working order, you're likely to be a lot more confident in your abilities. Take time to listen to what your thoughts are telling you. Know yourself and respect that person. Likewise, listen to your body. Take into account your bodies needs and respect the way you treat your body. You will definitely me more confident if you feel good and have a clear mind.

Believe in your abilities. No one can believe in you better than you can. And you must do it! Sure your friends and family and coworkers might tell you you're great, that you're a shining star, but you won't really believe it until YOU know that you're awesome. It's as simple as that. Believing in yourself is the first step to being the shining, awesome person I know you are. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Jerome Ernest Mmassy and I was born in Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region Tanzania. My parents were Natalia Mmassy and Ernest Mmassy. My father died at the age of 62 in 1996 from lung cancer which was the result of smoking her whole lifetime. My mom is still alive with the age of 73. I was raised by my Mom and Uncle Gaspar Mallya as the family got separated before I and my lovely twin sisters (nuns) were born .Fortunately I have been smart enough to circumvent bad habit due to the teachings of my so lovely grandpa Mariana Rafael and other guardians.

My early childhood was a typical middle class environment circa the 1990’s. My parents worked for peasantry. I had a happy, normal childhood as I and my nephews lived together. My mom and dad separated before I was born. My dad remained unmarried until his death. My mom remains the same for her entire life. My Uncle Gaspar became a big part of my life and I maintained close contact with him even as I wrote this Book.

With the fresh start I was able to finish Primary School at Mkomilo Primary School, Secondary School at Umbwe and High School at Njombe in 2008. I later joined The University of Dodoma for first degree in International relations where I graduated in 2011 joining also Open University of Tanzania where I graduated with LLB in 2016.

I have been working in different offices since my first graduation but importantly I provided tutorials at the Arusha East African Training Institute, Habari Maalum College and Star High School. I have really being so much inspired in coaching my fellow youth’s to become what God intended them to be .This has finally placed me in seminars, classes and in churches serving in different positions.

In 2013 I was elected as Secretary of the Council of the laity at Ngaramtoni Roman   Catholic Parish Arusha where I served for 3 years specializing in mentoring students at colleges and Universities. My work didn’t just end there, in the same time I served as the Chairman of the Youth Service where I demonstrated God’s mission in me through bringing them closer to God in Arusha Archdiocese.

I have the great passion in me to spread the word of God through writing various Books. I have compiled various Kiswahili Books such as ‘Funguo za siri za Mafanikio’ locally translated as Secret keys to success, “Ishi kwa Malengo Ufanikiwe and “Ndoa yangu”

P.O BOX 11854,

ARUSHA

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mmassyfm@yahoo.com