“Be a light.” Three words packed with power, motivation, and inspiration. These three words prompt us to take action, to make a difference, and to shine from within.
I’ve used these three words a lot lately in my social feeds. Maybe because I’m reminding myself to be a light in this dark world. To be a light when I don’t feel like it. To be a light, even if that means feeling uncomfortable and awkward. And, maybe it’s because I remember that’s what we are called to do.
You and I are called to be a light.
So, what does that even mean? How does one go about being a light? Because I don’t know about you, but I know full well some days I’m not so bright. (Both physically and mentally.) Some days I wonder if there’s any light at all in this dark world. And, to top it off, this time of pandemic can make it feel even darker.
Well, I believe God has placed a light within each one of us. For those of us who follow the Christian faith, we know that God is light. John tells us in his writing in 1 John:
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.
1 John 1:5 NLG
So, because God is light and since He sent His Holy Spirit to take up residence inside those who believe in Him, so are we. We have His light inside of us, and we shine, even when we don’t know we’re shining. Even when we don’t try to shine. Even when we think we aren’t shining.
Once your life was full of sin’s darkness, but now you have the very light of our Lord shining through you because of your union with him. Your mission is to live as children flooded with his revelation-light!
Ephesians 5:8 TPT
God’s light shines through you and me.
The thing is, however, I don’t believe God’s light is necessarily just for our benefit. Take a look at what Jesus said in Matthew 5:
And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.
Matthew 5:14-16 VOICE
God’s light shines through us to help others turn to God and praise Him. Then, to be able to shine His light, too!
Others are drawn to The Light.
God wants us to shine, not for our benefit, but to help others find their way to Him. The True Light. And don’t all people need this True Light? Maybe now more than ever? There is someone, in your life and in mine, who desperately needs this Light. They just don’t know what they are looking for.
So, how can we be a light, especially in this dark world? During this time of uncertainty and uneasiness? I’ve come up with some suggestions, and I’ll share them in detail in tomorrow’s post.
Here are some ways you and I can be a light:
- Shine right here.
- Live in the overflow.
- Be joyful.
- Live gracious and generous.
- Be open.
- Seek to encourage.
- Live in the moment.
- Be real.
- Give God the glory.
- Be the most positive person you know.
Stop back tomorrow and we’ll dig a little deeper into these 10 ways. But, we don’t have to wait until then to let our lights shine.
Be a light today, my friend.
What a difference the light you shine makes! In the meantime, this video might inspire us all to be a light in this world of darkness. Shine bright!
Much love,
I don’t feel like a shining light because I continue to sin( use drugs). Although I study everyday the drugs block the Holy Spirit.