Being a Light

My church is starting a new series called "Coming Home". Very fitting for the holiday. This past Sunday our pastor spoke about how "Home is where the heart is," and Jesus being the guest of honor in your home. He asked us three questions but one really stuck out to me: 

"Can non-believers encounter Jesus in your home?"

Before I begin rambling I just need, well, ramble...My husband and I love board games. Probably too much. We are competitive. We like to win. So, we have game nights pretty frequently. Things can get messy.
With that being said...being humble and full of the Holy Spirit isn't the first thing that comes to mind when we're arguing across a table over a game of Blockus (gets us every time). We've gotten better, but, serious arguments may or may not have taken place while playing said board games. Tension can build up all because we can get too proud and our egos get the best of us. (yes. over a board game.) I will say that it never really lasts long because we are in good company (and we'd like it to stay that way.) But hey, we're human. Weird ones. It still counts.  
The thing is...not all of our friends are Christians.

It has had me thinking: Are we shining God's light when we are around others? Maybe it's just us. Me. Whatever.
But, do you find yourself acting a certain way around certain people? When I'm around people I don't know I am very quiet. When I'm around people I don't know well, I am more reserved and I watch what I say. But, when I'm around my close friends...I am loud. I am sarcastic. I make way too many "That's what she said." jokes. I'm open. I will give advice. I will help. I will go out of my way to make sure someone feels welcome in my home. 
Maybe that isn't always a good thing. Because, if I'm going out of my way to make a non-believer feel more comfortable inside my home...I'm probably pushing my God closer to the front door. I'm not saying that I am always doing this, although, I'm sure it's happened. I need to make sure I'm taking a step back and really thinking about how I am presenting myself and how I am representing the Lord, especially in my house.

"continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected." -Philippians 4:8 

There is actually another bible verse I would string along with this one about being aware of what you think. Your thoughts will become your actions. (Proverbs 4:23) Home is where your heart is. If your heart is in the dark your actions will not glorify God.

This was a very good reminder for me. Like, I can invite people to come to church every day. But, if they don't see the Holy Spirit in my home or in my heart, why would they come? I'm working on living more outward in general. I know God has plans for me and if I remain faithful to Him and keep seeking his word, those plans will become clear. I will be more intentional about shining the light from within.

"Our job is not to convince every body that Jesus is real. Our job is to invite them to experience it for themselves."