I recently wrote about how Christians are light, as Jesus describes us in Matthew 5. Light makes things visible, God is invisible spirit, and once one puts their faith in Him they are given a portion of His Spirit. Thus, God becomes visible to all Christians in spirit, if not with physical eyes, and as we are transformed by that Spirit we become light ourselves.
So simple. So awesome.
What I'd like to talk about now is how that light looks in the 'real world,' it's purposes, and why we have it in the first place.
As previously explained, this light reveals to us the Father. Our eyes are opened to see beyond carnal things.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
It allows us to see not only God, but the mercy and grace that He has bestowed upon us. The grace we have been given is immeasurable, including His unfailing and infinite love, peace that passes understanding, strength in joy, patience, righteousness, goodness, self control, kindness, salvation from hell and separation from our Maker, a mansion in Heaven and all it's glory, a relationship with the Almighty, wisdom, a family in the body of Christ, a Comforter, forgiveness, freedom, knowledge of Truth, healing from pain, hope, faith, provision of physical needs, and the list goes on! But what good are these things if we don't know we have them? They'd be worthless! God has given us His Spirit in order to open our eyes to Himself, and to these gifts.
How this applies in the 'real world' is of great importance. If you're in pain, which we all are at some point, you mustknow that you can turn to God for comfort and healing. If you're feeling weak or depressed, you must know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) If you're confused, you must know God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) We only have these things through Jesus, and it is nearly impossible to live through Jesus without these things. He stated clearly what it meant to be a Christian in Luke 9:23.
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Bearing that cross is no easy task, but it is by far the most rewarding one anyone may ever undertake.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Furthermore, this light is given to us not only for ourselves, but for others.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
As people see us living in light, though they be blind, will be able to tell that there is something different about us, something they in fact need. The light was given to us in order to spread the good news of salvation, and to tell of all the grace that God wants to pour out on humanity.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Now, imagine for a moment that every Christian's life is like a big, glowing billboard. If you call yourself a born again Christian and follower of Christ Jesus, what does your billboard say? Does it say, "I am awesome! I am so smart and fun and cool that you should like and respect me!"? (If I am to be honest, that is what I tried to make mine say for a long time). Or is yours empty? Does it say something that negatively reflects on Christ? Does it mention Him at all? Is it even lit up?
I wish to issue a challenge to all Believers, you and myself included, to have our signs say in huge lettering with near blinding brightness: "It's all about God!" May our lights so shine to anyone driving by on the highway of life, to anyone and everyone we come into contact with, that it really is all about God. May our lights so shine through good works, love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5) May our lights so shine for our benefit, for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the benefit of those living in darkness.
I urge you to take on this challenge with me, through the Holy Spirit of God and nothing else.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)Thank you for reading, and may God bless you.
Addison Road's "This Little Light Of Mine"
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