Girl, find your sparkle: How to shine brightly for God's glory
Article by Arian Jones // EEW Magazine Inspiration
When I was younger, my grandmother Shirlene Jones (who is gone home to be with Jesus now) would always say with a wide grin, “Girl, you were made to shine for God’s glory and sparkle from the inside out, so get to shining!” And I would just grin from ear-to-ear because she made me feel good, bold, radiant and empowered. I miss Grandma, of course, but her encouragement has stuck with me all these years later.
That’s why I’m passing along her advice to you. Girl, you were born to be a reflection of Christ, to emit light and glow from within. This is why you have been blessed with unique gifts that are meant to lead others toward the greatest gift of all, which is salvation through Jesus Christ.
In order to find your sparkle and glow up for God’s glory, you must seek the word of God, stay in tune with Him and give yourself permission to be exceptional. Many women, unfortunately, feel uncomfortable about being in the limelight. They deliberately shrink away from the spotlight, but doing that brings God no glory. If you want to glorify the Father and find your sparkle, be committed to excellence.
“Shrinking away from the spotlight brings God no glory. Don’t be afraid to be exceptional and shine for HIS glory alone!”
In the Bible, we see how Daniel distinguished himself from his peers and won favor from King Nebuchadnezzar by operating with an "excellent spirit," according to Daniel 6:3. He found his sparkle through obedience to God’s word and refusal to conform to the social norms of the day. Don’t you know that you can do the same?
From this moment onward, commit to being excellent by giving your all and putting your total energy into maximizing what God has given you to work with daily. After all, it pleases Him and draws others to the Lord.
If, by chance, you need some help tapping into your divinely-bestowed sparkle, here are 6 scriptures to help you!
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)- “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Whatever you do in life should be done for the Lord, that His purpose might prevail. When you work in excellence and get your glow on, people will not only wonder who gave you your gift, but they’ll be intrigued by the purpose for which you use your talents. This sets you up to be an effective witness!
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)- “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let the light of Christ that lives within you shine through your work, your smile, your graciousness, your kindness, and all your good works. This gives you the opportunity to direct the praise of those who are impressed with you to the One who truly deserves the credit for everything.
John 15:8 (NIV)- “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” The more fruitful you are, the more God is glorified! When you are productive and put forth your best efforts, your sparkle will be undeniable and your platform to share Jesus with others will expand.
Romans 12:11 (NIV)- “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Shine with excitement. Be intentional about giving your all and doing so with passion. Bring your A-game, because you shine brightest when you’re doing what you love for the One you love.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” If you want to be great and shine radiantly, then serve others. This is where you find true fulfillment and this is what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God did not give you certain strengths and abilities to keep them to yourself. He expects you to find your inner-sparkle and make sure it shows up on the outside. Whenever you show off what God has given you, you display His handiwork and you make His name great. Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?
Any time you feel low, unmotivated or dogged by insecurities, remember that you have everything in you to shine bright like a diamond for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
