Let your light SHINE

Shine your light from your own platform

The purpose of a thing is found in the nature of that same thing.

Its amazing when God declares a human being salt and light. He said "you are the light of the world and the salt of the earth" [Matthew 5:13-14]. Not everyone will understand this especially those who haven't placed their faith in Jesus yet. Hold on, don't tune off, let's reason together.

We all know what salt and light means and their usefulness but when such terms are used to address humans, I think its worth exploring to understand how this is possible.

The same passage (Matthew 5:13-14) also says "let your light shine before others , that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

So, not only do we have the capacity to shine the light, we also have a choice in deciding whether to let it shine or not and for what purpose and for whose glory.

For better understanding, I'll use a generator as an example, its a simple machine for converting mechanical energy into electricity. So If I ask a generator, what is your purpose? what do you expect its response would be? - to generate electricity, simple! easily derived from its design and nature.

When God created man, He declares you the light, salt, a royal priesthood, Gods special possession that you may declare his praises of him, you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared in advance for us to do. [1 Pet. 2:9, Ephe. 2:10]

I can see that smile on your face already, now you know your purpose is derived from who God calls you to be. You are who God says you are.

You might be asking, so if I am the light and salt and all of these beautiful names, how does this relate to doing good works and glorifying my Father in heaven? Great question!

Scriptures answers to scriptures. Your answer is here;

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. [Matt.5:14]

A lamp that gives light is not kept under a bowl rather its put on a stand meaning since you are the light, you have a stand - a platform, your mission field which can be - the place you work, live, play, learn or a people group, its usually one of those things.

So you are meant to shine your light from any of these places. Light represents illumination, brightness, brilliance, approach, appearance etc. Let your brilliance be known wherever you find yourself, sharpen your skills, groom your talent and gifts, develop knowledge in whatever you practice or your profession and carry out your work with integrity, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Gal 5:22-23].

All these attributes are possible knowing who you are. Rely on the continuous supply of Gods Grace through the help of the Holy Spirit.

As long as we live in this world, we are the light and me must do the God glorifying good works as the children of God and followers of Christ.

Consider this audacious statement from Jesus in John 9:5 "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you as the prophecy says in Isaiah 60. When we begin to shine our light, other benefits/blessings will follow us and these blessings are Covenant Guaranteed such as Wealth, Protection, Promotion, Business Excellence, Peace, Joy and many more as we see all through the verses in Isaiah 60.

We need to take our position and demand for the fulfilment of these blessings/promises as we shine our light.

How do we position ourselves? By imitating Jesus. He led by example, He went about doing good, shining his light and making disciples.

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" [Act 10:38]

Remember the instruction He gave us before he taking up into the Heavens.

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."[Mark 16:15]

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:19-20]

I hope you now understand why we need to shine our light as a result of our good works which leads to Glorifying our Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:16].

If you are still wondering other practical ways you can exemplify good works, I mean God glorifying good works, see Isaiah 58:6-end.

Speak to yourself about your identity in Christ and live one day at a time. Don't get caught up with the pressure of questions from the devil "how will you keep up with these beautiful good deeds and attributes?" Don't listen to him. If God did not design you with capacity to live a life full of good works, he wouldn't have said it or declared you the light and salt of the earth.

Believe what God says and live in that understanding. Let this mind be in you. It will go a long way.

I'll finish with what my Boss told me recently when he handed a small project to me. He said and I quote "I asked you to do it because I know you will do it well, I trust you, you are very organised and you will see it through"

When I heard that, I smiled at the same time humbled cause I know it was God who caused me to will and to act in such a manner that I keep diligence and integrity as my framework.

If you read this article once again from the top, you will understand the crux of my message here.

Stay blessed champ! God loves you:)

Editors: @temz @fisayomihannah

Inspired by: @nuelmanufor @odetolamatthew