Lighting the World All Year Long

By Lauren Madsen

There is a verse in 1 Peter 3 that I came across in my Come, Follow Me study: “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” v. 15). It is like one of those songs that you just can’t get out of your head, but you love it, so it’s okay. I have been asking myself whether I am always ready to give an answer, and although I know I am more ready than I used to be, I can see there is room for me to do a little better.

As we end another round of Light the World, I have been thinking about the verse in 1 Peter 3 and how all of the Light the World prompts we have seen over the years really just come down to this: We can live a disciple of Christ kind of life, and we can share that with others. We can do this not only at Christmas, but all year long.

Elder Uchtdorf’s talk “Missionary Work: Sharing What is In Your Heart” can be so helpful for us as we look for ways to light the world. He teaches that there are many “normal and natural ways” to let our light shine and talk about the gospel: “If someone asks about your weekend, don’t hesitate to talk about what you experienced at church. Tell about the little children who stood in front of the congregation and sang with eagerness how they are trying to be like Jesus. Talk about the group of youth who spent time helping the elderly in rest homes to compile personal histories. . . In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you.”

It may feel intimidating or scary to think about sharing parts of your spiritual life with others, but it doesn’t have to be. If you talk to neighbors, co-workers, friends, etc. about what books you’ve read lately, or about hobbies and interests you have, you can share about things listed below.

• A recent temple trip
• A simple answer to prayer
• A tender mercy
• A talk or lesson you are preparing for
• Your current calling
• A scripture that gives you strength
• How keeping the Word of Wisdom blesses you

Our conversations don’t need to be preachy or lengthy, and we certainly would do well to take the Spirit as our guide as we choose what to share and who to share it with. If it doesn’t feel natural at first, don’t worry. Just like most things in life, it gets easier the more you do it. In the same talk about sharing what is in our hearts, Elder Uchtdorf gave an apostolic blessing: “I bless you with the confidence to be a living testimonial of gospel values with the courage to always be recognized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the humility to assist in His work as an expression of your love for Heavenly Father and His children.” Keep that beautiful blessing in mind, and you will be ready and able to shine His light at Christmas, and always.