Tuesday, October 4, 2022
What comes to mind when you hear the word, “light”?
Dictionary.com defines it this way, “something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light.” It goes on to say it’s “also called lu·mi·nous en·er·gy, radiant energy.” And then, “to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, especially with joy, animation, or the like (often followed by up): A smile lit up her face. Her presence lighted up the room.” Light really does make a difference. Try living without it!!!
Matthew 5:16 comes to my mind for it says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” For those of us who are true believers, followers of Jesus Christ, our lives should be different because of the light of Christ shining in and through us.
There is this song many of us sang as children: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…” But what does it mean to let our light shine?
The German atheist philosopher Nietzsche once said that if he saw more redeemed people he might be more inclined to believe in their Redeemer. Christians who do not have changed lives have a credibility gap. They are like a lightbulb with no energy source.
For example: if I tell you I am sold on my chiropractor but my back doesn’t improve, you may question why I am spending so much money to go. If I rant and rave about how great our car is but we constantly have to get it repaired, you will probably not want a car like it.
So, think about it. What good does it do to tell people how great our Savior is if they cannot see that we ourselves have been saved from sin?
Our light must shine in a way that others see our good works and gives God the glory.
“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
Jesus is proclaiming to be the exclusive source of spiritual light. Without Him, we have no light in this world. So, if you are a follower of Christ, your life is not insignificant. It matters. What you do for Christ matters.
A candle in the darkness can be seen a great distance. I was curious about this so I tried to find out how far. Google says a candle could be seen up to 30 miles if the world were flat. But since the world is round, it is estimated a candle can be seen up to 5 miles before the light disappears under the horizon and can’t be seen. But 5 miles is incredible.
A candle is taken into a room to dispel the darkness. Likewise, the Light of Jesus Christ has to be taken into the darkness of sin that engulfs the hearts and lives of those who are not following Him. We have His light when we follow Him and His light in us can change lives.
There is the verse of the song mentioned above which says, “Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m going to let it shine…” Are you letting Christ’s Light shine through you? Do those around you know you are a believer? Now more than ever we need to shine the light of Christ in this darkened world. We need to be the light leading others to the Savior!
Let your light shine for Christ!
Blessings, Mari
