Shining Light – Living Testimony

Shining Light – Living Testimony…

Think about it. Light, by its very nature, dispels darkness. It illuminates, reveals, and guides. When Jesus declared us the light of the world, He wasn’t suggesting we possess some inherent brilliance of our own.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can not be hidden. Matthew 5:14.

Rather, He was entrusting us with the very light that shines within Him, a reflection of God’s love, grace, and truth. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s radiance, we are meant to reflect the divine light into the world around us.

This isn’t just a poetic sentiment; it’s a profound truth about the impact we are meant to have.
Imagine a dark night. A single flicker of light can be seen from a distance, offering a sense of hope and direction. Now picture a town perched high on a hill, its lights twinkling, a clear and unmistakable presence against the darkness.

This is the image Jesus paints for us. He declares that we, His followers, are meant to be that source of illumination for the world.

This light isn’t our own making. It’s the light of Christ that dwells within us, the radiant love, grace, and truth that He imparts. Just as a lamp needs a power source to shine, we need to be connected to Him to truly illuminate the world around us. Our lives become conduits, reflecting His brilliance into the lives of those we encounter.

The image of a town on a hill emphasizes the visibility of this light. It’s not meant to be concealed or kept private. Our actions, our words, our very way of being are meant to be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. When we live with integrity, extend compassion, and speak truth, our lives naturally stand out. They become beacons, offering guidance and hope to those who may be lost or struggling in darkness.

This isn’t about striving for attention or accolades. It’s about living authentically in the light we have been given. It’s about allowing the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – to shine through our interactions and decisions. These are the rays that pierce the darkness and draw others closer to the source of true light.

The challenge, of course, is to consistently live in this light. The world often presents opportunities to dim our brightness, to compromise our values, or to hide our faith out of fear or convenience. But Jesus’ words are an encouragement and a call to action. We have been entrusted with this precious light, and we are called to let it shine boldly and unashamedly.

Let us then embrace this calling with renewed purpose. Let our lives be living testimonies to the hope that resides within us. May we be like towns on hills, our light a steady and unwavering guide for those seeking their way.

Gracious Father, thank you for the incredible gift of your light, the light of your Son, Jesus, that now lives within us. Forgive us for the times we have allowed fear or doubt to dim its radiance. Grant us the courage and strength to live openly and authentically, reflecting your love and truth in all that we do. Help us to be beacons of hope in a world that often feels shadowed, drawing others to your light through our words and our actions. May our lives be a testament to your goodness and grace.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼