Let It Shine
8-3-04

After walking with His disciples for three years, Jesus gave the command to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus taught them the full gospel message and revealed the wonderful truths about our Heavenly Father: "I have made You known to them and will continue to make You known" (John 17:26).

The disciples had been blessed with an awesome knowledge of the truth and now had the responsibility to take this message to all the nations; "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This was not a new command. Toward the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He taught about the need to share our life in Christ with others.

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men."

When we place our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin we are "rescued from the dominion of darkness" (Colossians 1:13). Where darkness once ruled, the Light of Jesus now reigns supreme: "Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life" (John 8:12). Receiving His free gift of light allows us to see His path and also lights the path for others to follow!

Being given the Light of Christ is an awesome blessing, but with this gift also comes a very real responsibility. Every day God gives us opportunities to share our faith, to share our light; but when we keep silent, we cover our lamp and deprive our flame of vital oxygen. It doesn’t take long for such a flame to begin to weaken, flicker, and die!

We must keep the fire going by sharing our faith! As a child of God, we have become "Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Though God doesn’t need us to accomplish His work, He has invited (even commanded) us to play a part in His wonderful plan. The world was Spiritually dark when Jesus arrived and there remains many areas of darkness today. But we have the responsibility, and the privilege, of helping to light one small corner.

Let’s faithfully share the truth of Jesus wherever we are sent. When we receive the Light of Christ, we should no more keep it to ourselves than we should keep our breath inside our body once we are born (neither are very healthy). This precious gift, given by grace through faith, comes with a command. We must continue to hold the Light high and let it shine!

Have A Great Day!