LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

As the moon reflects the sun’s light, so we are called to reflect the Son’s glory. Jesus is the Light of the World, and He has said, “You are the light of the world.”  He is the source of the light and we are to shine with His light. As the old hymn puts it, “Let the lower lights be burning.”  John the Baptist illustrates this.  Our Lord said of him, “He was a burning and shining lamp.”  Here, Paul tells us how to let our light shine.

THERE MUST BE A CONNECTION WITH THE WORLD, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians‬ ‭2:14-15).  

We are to be in the world, but not of the world, as a physician must be among the sick, but not sick himself.  He must be clean from infection to treat those who are ill. Thus, we cannot be isolated from the sinful, but are to be immunized from sinfulness. Light is potent because it is distinct from the darkness, yet its very intent is to encounter darkness.

So, stop whining about the conditions of the world and “Do all things without grumbling.”  Yes, it is very dark—and getting darker—but, that is the opportunity for the light to be most valuable.   

Cease warring with the citizens of the world and “Do all things without…disputing.”  Our enemy is the Devil, not those captured by him. Jesus was known as the friend of sinners, and we are to be.  

Yet, be wary of the contamination of the world, “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”   You must be different to make a difference. While Jesus was connected with sinners, He was clean from sin.

THERE MUST BE A COMMUNICATION OF THE WORD,  “holding fast to the word of life,” (v.16a). While an oil lamp requires the wick to be trimmed and the globe to be clean (v.15), there must be fuel and a flame. Paul deals with that next.

We must digest the Word and thus hold fast to it ourselves. This is ingestion of truth, as the word of life. It is our daily bread to fuel our faith. Partake of the Word.  You cannot give out what you do not have.

We must demonstrate the Word. We not only hold it fast, but hold it forth. This is incarnation of truth. Jesus said our light would shine as we do good works before men for the glory of God.  Practice the Word. You cannot speak out about what you do not live.

We must declare the Word. That word is meant to be proclaimed.   This is illumination with truth. Good news is meant to be shared. Preach the Word.  You cannot help out if you do not speak up.

THERE MUST BE A CONSECRATION TO THE WORK, “so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain, (v.16‬b). 

We have a race to run. Paul did not want to run in vain. He was intent on giving his all and not stumbling short of the finish line.  Many a man has dropped out from discouragement or disqualified himself by defilement.  Don’t be that guy!

We have a rigor to show. The Apostle did not want to labor in vain. Gospel ministry is not just about inspiration, but involves perspiration. Labor and do not be lazy!  You can rest when you get to heaven.

We have a reward to gain. Paul points to the day of Christ, and his desire to hear Christ’s, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  He lived with faithfulness on earth that he might attain fruitfulness in eternity—a crown on his head for the race he had run, and a crop from the labor for the souls he had won. There is going to be some surprises on Judgment Day, when a lot of celebrity preachers see their works go up in smoke, while some who have labored in obscurity are summoned to the dais and the Judge crowns them with glory (1 Pet.5:4)!

What a challenge to my heart today and I trust to you as well!  Let your light shine!