At our Family Service last Sunday we continued the ‘Just Do It’ theme, looking at some of the simple things which Jesus said that we just need to get on and do; to put them into practice & live them. We focussed this time on Matthew 5:16 where Jesus said, ‘Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.’ and we were encouraged to think about what good works we can do in order that people will be blessed, and that the glory will go to God.

It was great to hear conversations after the service about how God had challenged people, but most exciting was a story I heard that night at youth group. I was told about someone who didn’t stay for the Fellowship Lunch, but instead headed straight to Costa to put into practice what she’d felt challenged about. Such a small, seemingly insignificant practical example – but of course our good deeds don’t have to be huge to ‘count’. Having ordered her coffee, here’s how it went:

Me: Bit odd, but I’m going to give you £10 and I want you to keep the change and use it to pay for the next person’s coffee.
Barista: What?
Me: Just put the money by the till and put it in for the next person.
Barista: Are you paying together?
Me: No, I don’t know them. Just tell them someone else paid for their coffee. It will make them happy.
Barista: But you don’t know them?
A flipchart and powerpoint later, she got it. It might be difficult and awkward to be kind but do it anyway.

How have you put into practice the things God challenged you about on Sunday? Share your stories in comments below.

My favourite suggestion from the service [made by two people independently] was about how slowing down would not only allow us to see the opportunities to make our light shine, but would remove the time pressure which often stops us from responding.

It’s just twelve days until Lent. What if we all resolved to make a concerted effort to make our light shine during Lent? Take a look at the 40 Acts challenge, sign up and resolve to live Lent generously – make your light shine.

Always go the extra mile, it’s never crowded there!