“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Imagine living a life without hope, without peace, and without God. Now imagine knowing someone living with the power of God inside them. We were all once without God’s perfect presence living within us. But what if you are the one who has the life of God in you? Don’t you think now is the best time to start shining your light and telling others about the gift of life in Jesus?
Paul wrote, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far-gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).
When you connect with others in conversation, don’t just talk about baseball, the new cable show or the latest news flash. Plead with them to embrace the life. Plead with them to consider God’s mercy, forgiveness and unchanging love. When you connect with people, make sure you intentionally connect them to the light of life. God not only wants us to trust Him for our salvation, but also to live for Him through our daily sanctification.
You don’t have time to continue flirting with sin. You don’t have time to invest in the things that have no eternal value. You only have time to shine! Your old life has been replaced to shine. God’s counting on you to shine the life of His Son through your life. He’s counting on you to replace your old desires with His desires. He’s counting on you to shine.
Your real life, your total fulfillment and satisfaction, is found in Jesus (John 15:1). His life in you is the light of this world. His life in you is the hope for those who live in spiritual bondage. Jesus is the power of God for salvation to those who are eternally lost. This is the message that must visibly shine through our lives every day. Others can embrace the power of life as you allow God’s light to shine through your life. People desperately need to see the light of life.
You have the light of life permanently living within you. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, NIV). Your life has been replaced with Christ’s life. Why? So you can freely live for God and express His love to others.
Read: Open your Bible and read Matthew 5:14-16.
Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: Where can my light begin to shine brighter? What old patterns of ungodly behavior need replacing?
Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?