Let it Shine

"You are the light of the world . . ." (Matthew 5:14)

No, this wasn’t someone speaking to Jesus. This was Jesus speaking to us, the people of God. What a charge! We are called to light up the world with the testimony of Jesus Christ and illuminate the path to heaven for all men to see. Though none of us are sufficient in ourselves for such a task, we have been given the pure light of the Holy Spirit to shine through us. God does not need us, but He chose us — and we should be eternally grateful for the unspeakable honor of being witnesses to our Lord.

 

With this light comes a sobering reality. We must live in a way that keeps us available to the Lord exclusively and allows Him to shine His light through us wherever we are. We must fight every thought or action that veils the light, and make the moment-by-moment decisions that glorify the Lord. When we do, the power of God beams from us into the mean circumstances around us, and men see the unmistakable handiwork of God. Then, even those who don’t know Him will acknowledge His works and give Him glory. Here’s how it works – we shine, men see the light, and God gets the glory! 

 

It is safe to say that men who would never glorify the Lord will be compelled to do so when we live and speak like the children of light. Those who do not believe will not be convinced by our intellect or our arguments, but by our love for them and one another! There is no phenomenon comparable to the sacrificial fragrance of love — the love of God in Christ. As we keep our lamp aflame, the demons must retreat, and the unbelievers will shout a praise they never knew was in them! Now doesn’t that make you more determined than ever to shine your light?

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, I will let my light shine, and men will see You clearly through my worship. Lead me by Your Spirit today. In Jesus, Amen.