Lighting Up EveryoneSample

Witnesses of His Grace

Christ in us is Light, and He wants His Light to illuminate this world. In His infinite wisdom, He has decided that His Light will reach the world through His children. Therefore, it's so important that our lives radiate His light not only with our words but with our actions. This is what the Lord Jesus wants from us.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Mathew 5:16 (NIV)

John prepared the way for the Lord, called people to repent, prophesied about the Holy Spirit, baptized the repentant in the waters, identified and presented the Lamb of God, pointed out sin, didn't glorify himself, and directed people to Jesus, as well as all the other things he did and said that aren't recorded in the Bible.

Jesus summarizes his life by saying: "He was a lamp that burned and gave light." John 5:35 (NIV) What amazing words for the Master to say about a person! What's so wonderful is that Jesus expects all of His children to be that way, too. That's where His words come from: "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." Mathew 5:14-15 (NIV)

A lamp that's turned off is useless and so is one that's hidden. God wants us to be lamps that burn and shine. How sad it is when fear, shame, or being too much like the world puts a blanket over a believer's light.

How dangerous and damaging is the thought that the enemy has been planting in some people for a long time about the church. I'm talking about the devil's attempts to make the church adapt to the world so the world can come to the church. It's an idea that has been taking root in God's people and has been gaining strength as the door has been opened to this plan from the darkness.

It's completely false. God has called, saved, and sanctified His children so that His children can be His witnesses. He wants us to be witnesses of His grace, His love, His mercy, and His holiness. The world doesn't need more of the world; the world needs Christ.

Beloved Father, free us from being deceived by the enemy's plan to make us resemble the world in order to conquer it for the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Help us to look more and more like you, so we can be the light you have called us to be.