Where is Your Light Shining?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NASB)

I have read this particular Scripture verse many times. I nod and go – yes, I need to shine a light for Jesus and I do try. But what does that truly entail? What is God really asking of us in these verses?

When we believe in Jesus Christ as our risen Lord and Saviour we have the light of Christ within us. This light within us produces good works – not of our own making, but of God’s making. The Holy Spirit, working in our lives, bears fruits of faith.

But what does bearing fruit have to do with all this talk about light?

We are studying light energy in our current science lessons at school. We are learning many things, such as the fact that light goes in a straight line unless something interferes with it.

God uses us believers as His vessels of light. Nothing is going to interfere with that path of light unless we encounter something that diverts or blocks it.

What changes the path of light in us? Doubts, fears, insecurities all play a part in undermining the effectiveness of how we shine our light for Christ. Those sorts of things running our lives are like us putting our light under a basket.

The cool thing is, God can use us to shine His light anywhere. I used to think that I had to be on a specific path in order to do God’s ministry. I would lament over decisions, such as which job to take, believing that one choice had more likelihood of me being Christ’s light on a daily basis. That is false, however. No matter where God places us, He will use us as His beacon of light to those around us. It doesn’t matter what our profession or lot in life. God has a purpose for each of us, no matter where we are.

God has put you right where you are and He has places that need the light we can bring. Embrace them! Look for opportunities to live your life as God would have you and be an influencer no matter what your location.

Our world is filled with those who need to know how much Jesus loves them and there is hope amidst the darkness they are facing. I pray that we can be that light – ever shining with the love of Christ.

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