Becoming The Light In A Dark World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Religion

Becoming The Light In A Dark World

Just take the next right step

3044
Becoming The Light In A Dark World

It's no secret that living out your faith in today's culture is unpopular. If you are even remotely faithful, you're "different." Religion "isn't cool," "has too many rules," and is "way too boring." But, what if all of those stigmas are wrong? What if you realize that true happiness doesn't come from the temporary pleasures of the world but in the constant, eternal love of God?

We live in a world that promotes constant self-indulgence, serving ourselves, and doing whatever it takes to get ahead of everyone else. While a little indulgence every once in a while isn't bad, we can easily fall prey to living life for "me" and only serving ourselves. What makes me happy? What will I gain from this? What are you doing for me? This lifestyle traps us into seeing life only from our own eyes. We become selfish and self-absorbed. Our problems seem to be the biggest thing wrong in the world. But it's not, it's the illusion we create for ourselves.

In "Perfectly Yourself," Matthew Kelly writes about the many people who are unhappy in their work. Even those who are making a large paycheck are choosing to leave because they want to find "meaningful work." Most people aren't engaged in their work because there isn't a bigger purpose to it. There's a reason we feel this void within ourselves. We, as children of God, are called to something greater than serving ourselves. We are called to build the Kingdom of God, to serve others, to bear our cross and humble ourselves before the Lord.

While this all can seem overwhelming, realize that the way we do this is by one step at a time. As Kelly puts it, "just take the next right step." When you are getting up in the morning and your alarm goes off, do you hit snooze a few times and rush around getting ready or do you get yourself up and make breakfast, ready to take on the day? Should you watch the fifth episode of that show or close your computer and spend fifteen minutes in prayer with Jesus before going to bed? Our days are made up of so many decisions, why not start putting it into practice now?

As we incorporate this exercise into our daily lives, one day we'll realize how much we've grown and how much closer we are to God. When we take the next right step, God opens the door to another right step and another. Before we know it, we become virtuous people and virtuous people can have a beautiful impact on others and the world. Be bold and become the virtuous woman or virtuous man God is calling you to be by taking the next right step.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182056
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8881
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453667
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24000
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments