There are a lot of references in the Bible about Jesus being light. Just as the sun rises every morning for a new day, Jesus gives us hope as a light in our heart that shines. This light also brings us joy because Jesus is our confidence.
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2
The Bible tells us that Jesus is literally coming back (Matthew 24). If we truly believe that Jesus is coming back then we would want to do whatever we could for the kingdom before Jesus returns. We can help push back the darkness in the world by letting God’s light shine through us.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18
The Lord has given us each spiritual gifts for a reason. The gifts are described throughout the New Testament. In many circumstances these gifts are a bit of a surprise to us. Such as an urging to teach others about Jesus when you are a severe introvert and would rather be at home in your stretchy pants, drinking hot tea. If you don’t know your spiritual gifts, I encourage you to take a spiritual gifts test (https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service).
Some spiritual gift examples are – hospitality, administration, discernment, faith, giving, music, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, teaching, pastoring, prophecy, etc.
WE EACH HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT
These spiritual gifts are for God’s glory. He uses them through us. Some of you may have been pondering God’s assignment for a long time. But others may be at the very beginning of that discovery and that’s okay.
Now, as we know, Jesus is referred to as the light of the world.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit which dwells within us as believers. When I imagine the Holy Spirit in my heart, I see Him as a light. We can shine out the Holy Spirit light to the world!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Click here for your FREE Printable of this scripture.
TURN UP THE LIGHT
I heard a pastor once say that many of us are walking around like a 3 way bulb, with our light only set on the lowest setting! Why is that? Why are we afraid to fully shine our light?
Many of us are afraid of looking boastful or bragging. And while we really have to stay in a humble place with our gifts, we cannot stay hidden because we are afraid people won’t understand our hearts or our gifts have been misunderstood in the past. We also shouldn’t hide God’s light. He wants all of us to step into our gifts. If you don’t know your gift, don’t be discouraged. The best way to discover your gifts is to try new things, like today.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
We don’t want to shine our light directly in someone’s face. That would ruin it. But if we are truly standing in God’s light, we can trust His light will be the one shining perfectly.
LIGHT TO SEE
Without light we cannot see what we are doing. Our discernment is all off and we can get stressed out. Resting in Jesus’ light helps us stay in a humble place. Not only that, but God often whispers creative ideas to us when we are willing to listen. This makes our lights shine even brighter.
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. Proverbs 15:30
QUESTIONS TO PONDER…
What are your talents/spiritual gifts?
Could you use those gifts to magnify Jesus?
What are some things that seem absolutely crazy but continue to stir in your heart?
Do you think it’s something Jesus wants you to explore?
Are you afraid, if so why?
CLOSING
Our assignments are all different. Your calling may be on a stage or traveling the world or it could be behind the scenes. No matter your gift(s), it is beautiful in the eyes of God. You are His treasure and He loves you immensely. So have courage and shine your light!
Leave a Reply