Imagine sitting in a large room at night with no lights on and no windows to let in natural light. You would be in pitch darkness, but if one person were to turn on a torch, everyone would see it because the light of a small torch can dispel the darkness of an entire room.
It’s an illustration of how powerful even the smallest light can be, and something Jesus talked about when he said, “you are the light of the world, so don’t put your light under a basket, but let it shine for all the world to see”. (Matthew 5:14- 16)
Jesus asked us to let our light shine before others. He didn’t say we “should” be the light of the world; He says we ARE the light of the world!
But what good is a light that doesn’t shine or is hidden? The light that fulfils its purpose must shine because its job is to dispel darkness.
When you love where there is hate, you light up the darkness; when you live in hope instead of fear, you light up the darkness; when you determine to be all God created you to be and seek to make the world a better, brighter, and more beautiful place, you light up the darkness.
When you choose to forgive instead of holding a grudge, you light up the darkness. When you choose Jesus’ ways rather than the world’s, you light up the darkness.
Shining your light means that you reflect the very nature of Jesus everywhere you go and in everything you do.
Matthew 5:14- 16 in the Message version says, “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
However, as you shine, you’ll discover pressure to be found in darkness and in the voices that say, “stay quiet, don’t stand up, and fit in with everyone around you”.
Therefore, a key to continuing to shine your light brightly is to ensure you are connected to a power source, that is bigger and more powerful than you.
A flashlight would not work if it were missing the battery; simply having a bulb in its fitting, and some wire does not automatically mean that a light will shine. For you to shine and keep shining brightly, there must be a connection to a source of power.
Jesus said He is our source, and His power never runs out. Being connected to Him is the way to keep your light shining in the midst of any darkness. As you abide in Him your light will have an unlimited supply and when you are feeling dim, He will whisper to you that you are not alone, remind you of who you are and that you were made to shine.
Today choose to remain connected to Jesus; keep His word in your heart and in the forefront of your thoughts and determine to let your light shine brightly for all to see.
"Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3 NIV)
“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” (John 15:1-4)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I have everything I need in you. Would you please help me stay connected to you and let my light shine brightly, dispelling the darkness. In Jesus Name Amen.
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