How is your Radiance?
I don’t think many people are asked that question. They are asked, “How are you doing? “Are you alright?” “What’s happening?” But never “How is your radiance?” In fact, if you were asked that question, you may be dumbfounded and may think to yourself what kind of question is that and ponder what your answer should be. Well, in this article, I will help you with your answer.
Radiance is defined as glowing from a light source like the sun or a healthy, beaming person. The sun radiates light, and bright objects that give off light rays have a quality called radiance. How many times have we been warmed by the radiance of the sun's rays on a brisk and cold fall day? How many times have we sought the sunlight to see better or take a better camera picture? The sun has a purpose in our lives; without sunlight and its radiance, we could not survive.
Also, if someone is happy and healthy, we can talk about their radiance. A sign of radiance in a person is a wide smile; some express it as a glow. How many times have we been blessed by the radiance of a happy person, just being near that person causes us to be happy, to be warm inside, and to glow.
Our Bible lesson tells us about the Prophet Moses, God's chosen one. And after spending time with God, his face became radiant, so much so that he had to wear a veil when he was before the people.
"But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD." (Exodus 34:34-35)
This is how we want to be after spending time with God through prayer, reading our Bibles, praising and worshipping him. We want to have that radiance as evidence that we have been in the presence of God.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)
This Bible verse lets us know that the light or radiance God has given us will shine in our lives as we do good works for the kingdom to bring God glory. The light that shines through us is God’s love, peace, and Joy. Are we radiating this? God wants us to positively influence the world by living a life that reflects our faith and his love in doing good deeds. Our radiance should be inspirational to others. Our radiance should make others happy. Our radiance should bring God glory.
So, the question today is, “How is your radiance?
Hazel L. Robinson
Chaplain
Bison Prayer for a Radiant Life
Dear Heavenly Father, from our youth, we have learned the lyrics of the song “This Little Light of Mine.” This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Jesus gave me the light, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. We can let our lights shine brightly because Jesus, you are the light of the world. He who follows you will not walk in darkness but have a life of light. God, please give us the strength and the desire to spend time with you so that when we go into the world, people will see how we radiate your power, faith, love, peace, joy, acceptance, forgiveness, truth, and service. God never let our light dull. Everywhere we go, every person we meet, let our lights shine so brightly that men may see our good works and glorify you in heaven. Lord, we thank you as we continue to be connected to our power source of light, which is you. We are thankful for our little lights because when we join our little lights together, we will have a big light, a light so big that others will see you, fall prostrate, and worship you. Please accept our prayers. In the precious name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen, Amen, Amen
Hazel L. Robinson
Chaplain