Sonburn

sunburn: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to the sun


Well, I learned the painful way that sunscreen is extremely handy at the pool. Let's just say that without it comes slightly (or maybe more than slightly) pink skin.


But it did give some inspiration.


My pink shoulders let people know a few things about me even if they've never spoken to me in their life. First off, they know I was not using sunscreen. Second, they can guess I was outside. Third, they deduce that I was outside a little too long without sunscreen. Keep this in mind...


How do you get sunburn? (I get it easily ;) )
When you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time, your skin reddens as a reaction that becomes very painful. In this case, sunscreen is helpful.


Now let's change 'sun' to 'Son' (Jesus Christ) :).


Let's say by reading your Bible and praying, you are exposing yourself to the Son. John 13:35 says, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." So by exposing ourselves to the Son, who is love, we in turn become more loving to those around us. If we are reading God's words to us and responding in prayer, it changes our whole day. And it's very noticeable others. It makes them question what's different about us that lets us live like that. You could say we are 'Sonburned' because the people we interact with everyday can tell that we are Christ-followers.


In this case, 'Sonscreen' could show itself in many forms- temptation. Other ideas or distractions. It could even be thoughts that keep us from focusing while reading or praying. Not exactly the most helpful thing on the planet. These keep us from fully experiencing everything God could have for us to discover, like a phrase in a verse or more time in prayer. They block out certain things and keep us from being as effective in representing Christ to others.


Just a few lyrics from a Newsboys song...


Shine!
Make 'em wonder what you've got!
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored.
Shine!
Let it shine before all men!
Let 'em see good works, and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord!

Exposure to the Son leads to shining for the Son! Just mind the Sonscreen. :)
KatieQue