God has given us an opportunity to be the light of the world. Is there anything that is blocking our light, preventing it from shining?
The Bible specifically says:
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5:15
For our light to shine, we firstly must acknowledge God as Saviour of our lives. Once we do that, we must guard that light because the enemy can put out our light if we are not vigilant.
- Our attitude and way of living can put out our light.
- Lack of studying the Word of God and not applying it daily to our lives will put out our light.
- Our lack of love for God and not having complete trust in Him, will put out our light.
The people of the world are looking for light to help guide them to the greater light, Jesus Christ, and so children of God are called to be light that shines daily, helping to illuminate the path that will help someone else to know there is hope if they only get to know who God is.
Once God has called us from sin, He gives the Great Commission to go tell someone else about Him.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
If our lights are covered by the way we live our lives, totally outside of God’s will, we need to take the time out to allow the Holy Spirit to redirect our hearts back to Him.
Once we are called by God, our lives are no longer ours but God’s. Therefore, we must humble ourselves under His mighty hands and allow His Holy Spirit to show us how to live for the glory of God.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10
When God lifts us up, the world will be able to see our light shining brightly because we have allowed the Holy Spirit to be reflecting the brightness of the light of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
May God help us to remember who we are and not allow anything to block our lights, but instead, to shine brightly, reflecting His glory, because we are the light of the world indeed and need to shine brightly in this dark world.
Shelia Clarke is an ordained minister in Jamaica, and author of the devotional, Strength from the Vine: Abiding in Christ