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
+255786141643/ +255624002807
mmassyfm@yahoo.com