Ancient Words For Today - 11
Jesus told his disciples to let their light shine before men. So, what does that mean and how do we do it?
The greatest example of letting your light shine before men was shown in the life of Jesus when he was on earth. The disciple John tells us that God is Light, that Jesus was God in the flesh, and He was the light of the world:
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1John 1:5
There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:6 -14
Here are the words Jesus spoke to Paul at the time of his conversion: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:16 -18
And finally, Paul told the church at Corinth: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2Cor 4:3 - 7
So in conclusion, we each become light bearers when the light of the gospel of Christ first lights our own heart. We then, in turn, share the love of Christ and the gospel of salvation with others so that they may see the light and become believers in Jesus and receive forgiveness of their sins and the gift of eternal life.
The question we should constantly be asking ourselves is - How bright is my light shining in the spiritual darkness that exists in our world? What can I do that my light might shine brighter?
Dear Lord, please remove anything in my life that obscures the light You have given me and help me, Lord, to shine brightly before men that they might glorify our Father in Heaven.