Shine Your Light

Shine your light. What does that mean? I have been thinking a lot about light lately. Thankfully where I live, we have passed the shortest day of sunlight for the year. Now, the sun begins to slowly reclaim time in the sky. Light and darkness are part of the physical rhythm of life. The last two years I have noticed it more keenly, but in a different way than only the physical. There is a spiritual aspect to light. It has always been around, but I have the rising sense that more people are waking up to its reality.

My thoughts have been centered mostly on the light of life. Genesis one, tells us that on the first day of creation God said, “Let there be light and there was light.”  And it was good. Generations later, Jesus said, “I AM the light of the world.” Since God created light, it makes sense that Jesus could claim to be the light, the author of light. 

Then comes the kicker. Jesus told his disciples, us, that we are the light of the world. Matthew 5. Followers of Jesus are historically called Christians. We are “little Christs,” because we carry the light of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our light does not come from our effort to make it shine. It comes from our surrender to the author of light, and our relationship with Him. 

The result of deepening our relationship with Jesus, is the increase of His light within us. Followers who persevere, eventually begin to change the atmosphere of the spaces they enter. Over time, we walk in increasing measures of the fruit of the spirit and the power Jesus demonstrated. 

Perseverance is crucial. If we allow it, there is purpose in our trials. As we mature, accepting the work of trials to rub away the things in us that are not Christ-like, freedom comes. As a result, when we shine, we begin to represent Christ as only we can, as only God intended. Christ’s light shines more powerfully. We grow to join David with his declarations: “O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalm 27:1

Invite the Lord’s light to shine on you. Put the light your past to bring healing, and on your path forward to dispel fear. Be encouraged to step out in His power and love. 

Ask Abba how He wants you to shine your light. Then let the adventures begin.