Okay, okay, before jumping to the conclusion that I’m promoting smoking, please continue reading.
Jesus said that He was the light of the world, but before He left planet Earth He described His followers as the light. We all need to be reminded of our identity in Christ and that God’s light is within us. So, since you are the light, how do you “light up?”
First of all, acknowledge that you are a child of the light!
Matthew 5:14-15 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”
I Thessalonians 5:5 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
Think of it! You are a beacon of light to those around you. How bright is your light shining? Do you need your batteries recharged? Do you display enough of the light of God in your actions that others see Christ in you? As you submit more and more to the Holy Spirit and follow through in obedience I believe God’s light in you will become more evident and continue to increase.
John 12:36 KJV “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light…
Ephesians 5:8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:..”
John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 12:46 NLT “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.”
Your life as a Christian is compared to the flame of a burning candle. I’ve always loved candles, especially the scented ones. I remember as a child not having electricity in our house for several years when we lived on the farm. What a welcome difference our candles, kerosene lamp and Coleman lantern made!
The light from merely one candle can help you maneuver in a dark place. Suddenly as you light the wick, the darkness disappears! Likewise, God desires that our life emanate the light of God and bring light into any situation.
Luke 11:36 “If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.”
Confusion, depression, deception and lies are all part of Satan’s kingdom. Through Christ we have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Lord’s marvelous light! We are no longer victims of darkness! So many people are struggling with depression and seemingly have no purpose for living. Perhaps even today you are feeling empty, alone and insignificant. You may not feel like you are the light of the world, but feelings should not determine what is truth. Truth is found in God’s Word.
Colossians 1:13 “Who (Jesus) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
When we allow the Lord to mold us into His image and really surrender to His will, then we become like a magnet drawing people to God. God’s unconditional love flowing through His disciples (you and me) displays God’s heart of love for humanity. Father God uses ordinary people to reach other people!
God’s love is given to you–for you–and for those you encounter. Allow God’s Spirit to illuminate you and seek God for cleansing from the darkness of the world and its’ influence. Kind words, thoughtful acts and passionate prayers display the light and love of God. As we continue to surrender to God’s will and seek His direction for our daily life, the darkness of self-centeredness, lust and greed will diminish.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Everyone’s life is significant and we all have a circle of influence. For some it may be a small circle, for others a larger circle. The point is that our lives truly do make a difference and others are affected by it. The Lord recently exhorted us to take seriously any assignment from Him, be it large or small. If God has appointed you to do something, then obedience is what is required.
Obedience is better than sacrifice and it pleases the Lord. Remember Jesus said that His meat (his strength, refreshing, renewal and nutrition) came from doing the Father’s will. As you are faithful in the small assignments your arm of obedience is strengthened and God will entrust you with bigger tasks.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Jesus declares that His followers are now children of the light and the light in this present world. God made it clear in the Bible that we all are here for a reason. Jesus is offering you purpose right now. Choose to accept the truth that you are here to shine for Jesus. See yourself as a child of the light and a child of the King! Let’s light up for Jesus!
Can you even imagine what our world would be like without Christians showing the light and love of God? It would be total darkness! God gave His very best to mankind through the birth of Jesus. Jesus came to this Earth to die in our place so we could live forever in Him and with Him. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you! Remind yourself of this amazing truth on your gloomiest days.
Ramp up the wattage on your lamp and shine for Jesus! Let this be the year that Jesus shines brightly through you to others. No matter what is occurring in your life Jesus has given you the identity of being the light of the world. Glory!
Shine, Child of the Light. Light up for Jesus!
Please enjoy the songs below:
