Let it Shine

Dear Brethren,

Jesus said, You are the light of the world, and He also calls us, children of light.  There are three ways we can react to those words.  Do we get the big-head?  Do we cringe because we do not want to be in the limelight?   Or, do we understand what our responsibility is?  We have heard these words so many times before, but let's try to shed some light on what it means to, "Let our light shine."  God's instructions are these:

"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.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  (Matthew 5:14-16)

The correct thing to do for those being led by God's Spirit is to live by the principles Jesus Christ taught us.  At work and at play, we are supposed to exhibit the attributes of true Christianity.  Jesus is the light of the world.  As Christians, we, too, become that light.  The clear instructions to us is this; we have an obligation to cause our light to shine to a world desperately in need of what we have been given.  God, in us, is the light that is supposed to be seen by others.

It is God's Spirit that shines through us to others.  When Jesus says to us, "Let" your light shine, it means we are to, allow, permit, or cause our Christian example to be seen by others.  Please notice that the light does not shine on us to brighten us, but it shines in order to glorify your Father which is in heaven.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."  (Philippians 2:3)

The purpose in letting our light shine is not to draw attention to ourselves, but for God in heaven to be glorified.  What is the best way to display this light, and express our beliefs and way of life to others?  Do we have a hidden faith, fearful that those in the world will be disapproving of what we stand for?  Are we ashamed for people to find out how different we are?  How can we possess the righteousness of God without coming across as self-righteous?  All of us have often experienced how difficult it is to properly take a stand for Godly principles.  Do we boldly proclaim the truth - or do we speak softly, not wishing to inflame hostility?  "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness."  (Proverbs 15:2)  The answer is not to shrink back and do nothing.

"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."  (Mark 8:38)

We are not talking about shoving our religion down other peoples throats - it doesn't work that way - no one becomes converted that way.  Everyone has heard it said, "A picture is worth a thousand words."  People are more apt to embrace teachings by example, than by being told.  Our actions do speak louder than our words.  In the same way in which Jesus' life was an example to us, our lives must be examples to others.  "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."  (John 13:15)

If our calling and conversion cause us to feel superior to others - we do not understand what Jesus Christ taught.  On the other hand, if we lack the dedication and commitment to represent God's way before others - we deny the power of God's Spirit.  We must let our light shine by openly expressing our Christianity as the solution to this world's questions.

"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."  (1 Peter 3:15)

Brethren, we have always heard that Jesus is the light, but have we fully realized how we, too, have been called to be that same light?  "A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth ."  (1 John 2:8)

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