BE THE LIGHT YOU ARE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JUNE 04, 3021.

SUBJECT : BE THE LIGHT YOU ARE!

Memory verse: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5 vs 14.)

READ: Philippians 2 bs 12 - 16: 

2:12: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

2:13: for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

2:14: Do all things without complaining and disputing, 

2:15: that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

2:16: holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.

INTIMATION:

Christians who live after godly principles are a light that brings hope to a world that is lost in darkness. If we walk in the light, we would become ‘sons of light,’ revealing the truth and pointing people to God. As Christians, we are to be Christ’s light bearers, letting His light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions?

Letting your light shine is not an arrogant manner of behavior. One should simply not be ashamed to live the Christian life in the midst of his other community. But living the principles of God in the community, one will give hope to those who desire an escape from the world that is in the bondage of darkness.

If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth—don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5 vs 16.) 

When one becomes an active member of the organic body of Christ, his light shines forth to those who are in darkness. The demeanor of his life and attitude become evangelistic to those who are seeking a way through this life. Christians must never allow their light to grow dim from the influences of darkness, nor allow the preserving salt of their behavior to be destroyed by worldliness. 

Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that we will “shine as lights” in a dark and depraved world. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God’s Word. Are you shining brightly or are you clouded by complaining and arguing? Don’t let dissensions snuff out your light. Shine out for God. Your role is to shine until Jesus returns and bathes the world in His radiant glory. 

To be like Christ, we must train ourselves to think like Christ. To change our desires to be more like Christ’s, we need the power of the indwelling Spirit, the influence of faithful Christians, obedience to God’s Word (not just exposure to it), and sacrificial service. Often it is in doing God’s will that we gain the desire to do it (see Philippians 4 vs 8 - 9). Do what He wants and trust Him to change your desires.

God has not left us alone in our struggles to do His will. He wants to come alongside us and be within us to help. God gives us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. The secret to a changed life is to submit to God’s control and let Him work. Next time ask God to help you desire to do His will. God works in us as we have responded to His work for us. He worked for us through the cross. Our sense of gratitude to the work God in reference to our salvation, therefore, should move us into action. 

Prayer: Abba Father, You have made us Your sons and daughters for those who believe in Christ—the light of the world. Give me the grace to shine as Your light in this depraved and dark world and become evangelistic to those who are seeking a way through this life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!