SHINING

But the path of the just is like the SHINING sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day – Proverbs 4:18

There is a dimension of Grace that causes the Destiny of an individual or group of people to SHINE: “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And GREAT GRACE was upon them all (Acts 4:33). This is the grace for shining and for impactful manifestation; grace to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt.5:14-16). This means that through the grace of God, every believer in Christ has light to shine when we surrender to His Lordship. It is in His Light that “we see light” (Psa.36:9b).

Light was not created merely for our own private use, but for the universal and public good of humankind. Therefore, we are strategically positioned as lights in the world; we are placed to hold forth, in the most open and conspicuous manner, the Word of Grace, Light, and Life. Christ’s design is that the Light of the Gospel and our good works as inspired by His Spirit should cause men to glorify our heavenly Father. Courage, diligence, faithfulness, fervency, industry, integrity, kindness, plainness and openness, sincerity, zeal, timelessness in preaching the Gospel, the honour of Christ, passion for souls, love towards men, care and concern to stand by doctrines of grace, can only be exemplary through the avenue of God’s grace in our lives, conduct, and communication. All these are what Christ expects of us and will in turn glorify our Father in heaven in our daily functions: at home, in the workplace, community, school, and among peers.

Beloved, you were born to be a person of Impact; you were saved to live a life of temporal influence and eternal Impact! Your salvation is a seal of distinction. Your redemption is a guarantee for an impactful life. Shining grace enables you to step out and stand out; and to make a positive influence in your location and generation. God has chosen to shine the light of His grace through His people. You have the light that the world is desperately seeking. You are to be the light – the Solution – that illuminates this dark world! Light can never be imprisoned. Light cannot be boxed-in. Light attracts attention. Light enlightens the ignorant. Light illuminates your paths in life. Light liberates from bondages, chains, and domains of darkness. Light reveals the hidden works of darkness. Light exposes and expels evil. Light lightens the burdens of life. Light enlivens and energizes. Light lifts up the soul’s countenance. Light elevates the spirit. All of these are undoubtedly functions of grace!

Grace augments your faith in the Lord to become evident to all those who come in contact with you: “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” (Phil.2:15). Grace unveils your light to shine in life and in service. Your good deeds illuminate dark places and shine God’s glory rather than defuse the light. Just as you don’t hide an open flame under a basket, you don’t hide your faith. Be a light that burns bright. Let your attitude, conduct, and example (A.C.E.) be eloquent witnesses to your faith. DL Moody said, “Set yourself on fire and people will come and watch you burn.” You can be such kind of light that draws people to Christ. Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you”! You can never be hidden in the light. You were designed to brighten your world. Go forth and Shine by His Grace!