We often hear the term “let your light shine”. It’s something Jesus said was to be the way of life for those who choose to follow Him. 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”.
He commanded us to let our light shine before others. He doesn’t say we “should” be the light of the world; he says we ARE the light of the world!
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.
Imagine sitting in a large room 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.
When Jesus asked you to shine your light, he’s called you to get rid of the darkness and to determine to light up everywhere you go with his light in you.
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 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 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.”
But a key to continuing to shine your light brightly is to ensure you are connected to your power source.
A flashlight would not work if it were missing the battery, as it would make the rest of the flashlight not useable. Simply having a bulb, a fixture and some wire does not automatically mean that a light will shine. There must be a connection to a source of power. You are the same. In order for you to shine, you must be connected to power. Jesus is your source of power, and His power never runs out. Being connected to Him is the way to keep your light shining and to get rid of the darkness around you.
Today choose to remain connected to Jesus; keep in His word, and shine brightly for all to see.
“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)
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.