The Light that Shines
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16
Beloved, happy Pentecost Sunday. What a timely day to look at this topic. Today, we commemorate the birth of the church and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. This infilling of the Holy Spirit was evidenced in the physical as stated in Acts 2:3-4, ‘then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sate upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ This release brought boldness to the church to witness and shine forth to the ends of the world. That was how Christianity started and spread across the globe. As children of God, we are to bring light into every situation and life we come in contact with. Proverbs 4:18 says that, ‘The path of the just is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day’. We cannot shine forth if we do not have the Holy Spirit in us.
What is the Christian Light?
When we enter a dark room or tunnel, we are lost because of the darkness and we cannot make out our way through it but once the light is put on or shone on our path, we are able to see clearly and get to our destination or get what we want from the room. This is the reality of a life of a sinner who repented. The world is full of darkness because Satan and his demons have rule over it and all that is in it except the souls that belong to Jesus Christ, The Christians. Until we repent and turn to God, we grope in the darkness of the world spiritually irrespective of the physical light around us. An encounter with Jesus Christ brings the needed light into our lives which enables us to live in dominion over the devil and his demons. John 8:12 explains this thus, ‘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.’
The Christian light is the light of Jesus Christ that every believer receives at repentance. This is shown in the form of the presence of the Holy Spirit. This light repels all forms of darkness, sin, fear, ignorance, death, pain everything negative. It gives us dominion over the world as Christians. This light brings joy, peace, repentance, happiness and everything good. The Christian light enables us to live the Christ like life and fulfill our ministry on earth. Every believer must ensure that he or she keeps the light burning.
What are we supposed to do with it?
Our focal scripture was explicit on what is expected of us as Christians. We are to shine. Matthew 15:14-15 enumerated this by telling us that, ‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. We shine to the world around us in:
- Our actions: God has called us to a life of holiness hence as believers we must show it in our relationship with others. We do not shine if we meddle in sin. When we gossip, backbite, plan evil against others, quarrel, lie and do things that are not Christianly, we do not shine. When people ask you or say things like, ‘I thought you/he/she is a Christian’, then know that you have done something not in line with your confession. You are not shinning.
- Our Commitment: As Christians, our core mandate is to win souls for the kingdom of God as given in Matthew 28:18-20. You shine brightly when you use your testimony and experiences to win the lost ones back to Jesus Christ.
- Our Walk: You are not a Christian if people around you do not know that you are one. There is nothing like a silent believer. When the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, He released boldness and audacity to witness across the world. Just like a light cannot be hid, a Christian shine automatically. You fellowship with believers; share freely your salvation story; witness to others and carryout your ministry joyfully.
- Our vocation: Now this is an area that most Christians fail at. The evidence of your Christianity must show in the work of your hands. Christians enjoy the grace and favour of God hence if the work of your hands is not prospering, you need to look within yourself to be sure that your Christianity is in line. Daniel 6:3 gives us an example of this, ‘Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.’
How can we keep the light burning in us?
There is a daily struggle between the flesh and Spirit over the control of human life. Galatians 5:17 says that, ‘For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.’ As Christians we must keep the light burning by:
- Dying to flesh: Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31b, ‘I die daily’. Likewise, he said in 1 Corinthians 9:27, ‘but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.’ We must intentionally, through the help of the Holy Spirit put our bodies, minds, thoughts and all under the leadership of God daily.
- Bible Study: The word of God according to Psalm 119:105 is, ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’. The word of God keeps our light burning because in it we find the truth and when applied, enables us shine brighter
- Soul Winning: What is the use of acquiring an expensive fishing boat and not going to fish? We must share our new found love and salvation story with all around us to bring them back to God. When we do this, we shine forth.
- Prayer: The secret of every successful Christian walk is prayer. Prayer is the key to every door that needs to be opened. It is our access key to God. We cannot shine as Christians if we do not live a prayerful life.
- Love: The fastest way anyone can see the light of God in you is when you show forth God’s love to them. Whoever does not walk in love, is not a Christian. When you love both those who love you and those who don’t, your light shines brightly and brings even the bad ones to Jesus Christ.
On this special day of Pentecost, I encourage you to seek the light to enlighten your world. That light is found in Jesus Christ alone. That light is available to you and all mankind. If you need it, do say the prayer below. Have an excellent month of Fruitfulness in June 2020- Happy New Month in advance.
If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, please bow your head and say this prayer, ‘Lord Jesus, I come in total humility and ask that You forgive me all my sins. I acknowledge that You died to save me from the power of sin and death. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. I pray that You release the Holy Spirit of promise to guide me into all truth to enable me live a life pleasing to You every day of my life. All these I pray in Jesus Christ name, amen’.
Congratulations for your name has been transferred to the book of life. God bless you. If you need further help with your walk with God, do contact us with this email JesusShopperteam@gmail.com
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