Shiners

Every fisherman knows what a shiner is.  The term “shiner” is a common name for a variety of small silvery fish.  Come to think of it, even fishermen’s wives know what shiners are!

Shining for Christ is a particularly troublesome task it seems.  There’s no doubt Christians have drawn attention to themselves, however, not necessarily in the most positive way.  I fear our form of “shining” has cast Christ in very poor light!  Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi about living blameless lives “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as light in the world: holding forth the word of life …” (Philippians 2:15-16)  How in the world is this possible?  Well, the answer is actually part of the question – we cannot do it “in the world” for “it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (2:13)  Too diligently and too long Believers have tried to generate our own light, which is dimly lit and constantly casting shadows.  The key to shining genuinely for Christ will always be in holding forth – in every area and arena of life – the blessed Word of Life.   I don’t fish, care to fish, nor give a flip about shiny fish, but I do know a shiner when I see one. Consider your shine today – do others know one when they see one?