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Oct 22, 2020 08:00am

3 Steps to Letting Your Light and Life Shine

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As we tackle the topic of laughing without fear of the future, I want to tell you why it’s so important. Friend, this is so much more than a way to feel good about your present or your future.

You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16 (NIV)

Jesus himself spoke these words. Growing up in church, they whisked through my ears many times. You may have sung the familiar tune, This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.

When I come across passages so repeated through my years, it’s easy to let them slip in and out of sight without a second glance. But, as I absorbed this verse this time, Jesus showed me something new. I urge you, too. Slow down for a short minute and look . . .

Notice the two words Jesus begins with – You. Are.

Jesus looked in the eyes of his disciples and labeled them light.

He could have said, ”I’d like you to pray about being a light one day.”

OR, “I think you’d be a great light of the world.”

OR, “Some of you will be light to the world.”

But Jesus said none of those. Instead, with certainty Jesus declared, You are the light of the world. “YOU are!“ You can’t get away from it. If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, you are the light of the world.

Here’s the kicker, though – Let.

Remember the song, This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine?

Too bad it’s not as simple as holding up your pointer finger and waving it around.

Jesus warns of inefficient energy use.

I think Jesus knew our tendency to tuck our light into a purposeless place and leave it there.

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.” Matthew 5:15

Don’t be confused. You are the light of the world. Notice the flame is not put out, it’s only hidden. Where is your light?

Search for it. Turn over every bowl in the house until you find it. Did you bury it beside the tree of betrayal? Is it shoved between the sheets of disappointment? Did you slide it under the bed of loneliness? Or cover it with the bowl of confusion?

Uncover it. Put it on its stand.

Someone needs your light.

Before the great advancement in technology, sailors depended on the lighthouse for direction. On a dark, stormy night, one beam of light from shore bubbled hope in the hearts of a lonely man at sea.

Imagine the captain on the sea. White knuckles grip the wheel of the ship. The waves crash on the side of his boat and he sweats trying to keep her afloat. He works to keep calm for his crew, but on the inside he wonders, Will we pull through?

Then, hope. A light pierces the blanket of darkness. Ahead, a safe place awaits. His eyes no longer linger on the rough seas surrounding him. He fastens his eyes on the light. We are going this way.

The lighthouse braves the same storm as those at sea. The difference is where she stands. Her feet sink deep into solid ground; her unique shape and stable body reduce the effect of strong winds. The maker of this lighthouse built her for a storm such as this, so she stands. She stands tall. She stands firm.

And she shines.

Her light leads, protects and offers hope. You are the light. Let it shine. Someone needs your light.

If you want to let it shine, but don’t know where to start, here are some steps to take:

Place encouraging scriptures where you will see them often. Say them out loud. Pray them. Memorize them.
Season your prayers with thanksgiving. Commit to say thank you multiple times a day. (Philippians 4:6)
Force your attention on the moment right in front of you. Choose to be faithful with today, and let God worry about tomorrow. (Luke 12:25)

Your light will never go out.

You’re bound to malfunction and will likely need repair a time or two. But the light in you cannot be moved. You are a light, because Jesus is in you.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

With all of this talk of light, I have to ask – are you sure Jesus is in you? If you’re not, he wants you to be sure. Ask questions. Seek answers. He promises to answer.