Scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
In this passage of scripture, it is expected that all believers will live a life of transparency and authenticity. We should be genuine and for real through our actions. Our faith is not to be hidden, but such that it gets the attention of others. It should be seen by the way we live our lives.
How can we ensure that others see the light in us? Well, when we sacrificially and unconditionally do for others, we are letting our light shine. When we show evidence of the love of God within us, we are letting our lights shine. Letting our lights shine should bring glory to God, and not to ourselves.
You may not agree with me, but anything that shines has a tendency to draw you closer to it or at least get our attention.
I am often fascinated by the amount of time some of us spend in shining our cars or our household chinaware. We polish and rub and rub until we get a gloss or glitter from the wax we have applied to the vehicle or our dishes. If you have ever visited a car show, just the glitter and sparkle will get our attention. That is the way God wants us to be, shining so that others may see Christ in us.
Likewise, God takes great pride in us when we put forth a concerted effort to live a life that represents him in a very positive manner. In other words, it takes time and effort to become the Christian God wants us to be.
God expects us to do the same thing in regards to our Christian journey or life. There is an expectation that we will shine for Jesus. In other words, others may see Christ in us.
How do we show Jesus in us? Again, we can shine by letting our daily actions, words, and deeds reflect the love of Jesus. Whenever we provide services to others so that God might get the praises and glory, we are letting our lights shine. When we reach out and check on others who may be facing some challenges in their lives, we are letting our lights shine. My brothers and sisters, do something today that will represent the love of God. Let your light shine.
One writer summed it up this way, Letting Christ’s light shine means letting your faith show through genuine love and obedience rather than hiding it behind worldly pursuits.
The question today is, are we living lives that are pleasing and acceptable unto God? Just going to church on Sundays does not suggest that our lights are shining, however it is an indicator that we are striving to mature in our walk with Christ. A matter of fact, we should ask the question, what am I going to do with the light that was planted or instilled within me during my time in the church? If we bottle it up and do nothing, it is disappointing to God and should cause us to be concerned about our walk with God.
Has anyone ever shared with you that there is something about you that glows or is an indication that Christ lives in you. You do not have to pretend, fake it or try to impress others with phony actions and deliberate false intentions.
The Bible teaches us that believers should not hide their faith, but instead live openly to show God’s goodness to others. Mark 4: 21-23 says, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand where it’s light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
In simple terms, since Christ lives in us, He wants us to expose him to the world. Does your light shine today? If a light or lamp does not help others to meet or see Christ, it is probably a dim light.
Jesus tells his followers that they are the light of the world, much like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.
In several of our Bible Study lessons recently, believers are told that they were once in darkness, but now they are light in the Lord, telling us to walk as children of the light. Today, create a mindset that I am going to let my little light shine wherever I go. Put a smile on your face. Let some love flow from your heart. It is easy when we do it naturally.
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
