Lighting Up EveryoneSample

Burning and Shining

To burn and to shine means to live in such a way that everyone can see the light of Christ that flows from us. In life, we face different scenarios, some good and some not so good. Whatever our situation, whether we are in the valley of the shadow of death or in places of faith and prosperity, Christ is still in us. His light doesn't fade; His light is permanent.

That's why we should keep our lamp on the table, where it can give light, and not under it. To do this, we need to understand that our light isn't our own. We must be clear that our ability to shine is exclusively due to the presence of Christ in us. “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.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Paul spoke to the Ephesians and emphasized the importance of being a light to this world. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) "Once darkness" refers to our past without Christ, when we were still in the dark.

"But now" refers to our present in the Lord, to our new life in Christ. It's through our conduct, our character, our actions, and our way of living that we burn in the Spirit and light up this world with the light that lives in us—the light of Christ.

Can you give light without the flame of His light burning in you? Let's think, can you burn with His light and not illuminate the world we are in? It's impossible. When the flame that burns in us is real, there is no way to stop the light that comes from that flame. We shine because we burn, and because we burn, we shine.

Jesus, You are the light of the world. Help us to shine as You do. Fill us with the fire of Your Holy Spirit so that by burning in You, we may illuminate this world.