Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Shining the Light

 

[Drawing of a light shinging form a lighthouse]


“You are the light of the world.”
—Matthew 5:14a

One of the scariest experiences occurs when the electricity fails at night and the clouds cover any light from the sky. While our eyes try to adjust to the loss of light, we really can’t see where we intend to go. Many a stubbed toe has resulted from stumbling around in the dark when the power goes out.

In the spiritual world, the only genuine and sustaining Light comes from God through His Son, Jesus. He is the Light of the world. As His dearly loved children, we become Light Bearers, carrying the Light of Christ into the sin-darkened and needy world.

I imagine that is exactly why Jesus told His disciples, in Matthew 5:14 and 16, exactly how He wanted them (and us) to live:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Any goodness in our lives comes from our relationship with God through Christ. Therefore, when we do good and show God’s love to someone, we bear the Light of Christ into the darkness that would completely consume everything around it. We must not purposely hide the Light that we have received because of our relationship with God.

Daily, including today, the Holy Spirit nudges us when we should cheerfully shine the Light of Christ into the darkness. Let’s determine to become every increasingly aware of those nudgings and bravely do exactly what Jesus wants us to do: boldly shine His Light.

 

Copyright © 2016 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.