SHINE AS LIGHTS

“That you may become 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” – Philippians 2:15

God’s Mandate for every Believer in Christ Jesus is to SHINE as LIGHT in the world: “among whom you SHINE as LIGHTS in the world” (Phil.2:15b). First, at redemption God “shined the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” into our hearts (2Cor.4:6). And now, we are empowered to shine as lights to impact our locations and generations!

The theme of light and darkness is prominent throughout Scripture. Darkness symbolizes Satan’s evil domain and the sinful deeds of those who do not obey God. It also represents the spiritual ignorance of those whose sin has blinded their eyes from the light of God’s truth (Eph.4:18; 2Cor.4:4). Light represents the knowledge of the truth that comes when God shines into our lives (2Cor.4:6). Light also portrays the holiness of God, Who dwells in unapproachable light (1Jh.1:5; 1Tim.6:16).  As believers, we are called to shine as lights, illuminating wherever God has positioned us and bringing many souls to light.

Shining Light illuminates. We have a calling in this life to illuminate our world. Light gives leadership and direction. Light defines and describes. We’re the ones to show the world how to live, what to do, and how to be successful, irrespective of the pervading darkness. Isaiah 60: 1-2 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” It makes no difference the darkness and problems in the world, potentially, the Believer in Christ is the hope and the solution that the world needs. The challenges and hardship in the world today are our opportunities to shine and manifest the glory of God. Let’s live with this consciousness every day.

Here are three practical ways to shine as light:

Service: Seek to serve others with a glad and willing heart, in the name of Jesus. Be active in serving the Lord and humanity through joining a ministry or other worthy cause, and volunteering your time. Do all works of service and ministry as unto the Lord and not for human applause (Col.3:23).

Outreach: technology has provided a wide range of avenues for outreach such as – starting a Christian blog or newsletter; writing and sharing tracts or launching an online outreach. As you pray and ask the Lord for direction, He’ll lead you as to how to share the light of truth that He is pressing on your heart with those He brings along your path.

Mentoring: pray for, counsel, and nurture younger ones. There may be no better and brighter way to let your light shine and build God’s kingdom, than to invest in the next generations. Though the world’s voice may seem to be growing louder while God’s gentle whisper seems to grow fainter, the kingdom strategy of investing in the next generation will ultimately turn the table. If God has gifted you to teach children and youth, be a light for His glory to reach and raise new generations for Christ.

Although we who know Christ shine as lights in the world, only Christ is the “True Light which lights every man that comes into the world” (Jh.1:9). What we accomplish at best is to reflect Him. He’s like the sun; we’re like the moon. He is the Source of light; while we shine as we reflect His image. As people see Christ reflected in us, we can point them to Him. And if we are truly shining as lights, it will show in our hearts, thoughts, words, decisions, and deeds. Are you truly shining?