Sometimes, we are guilty of asking God to do things He has commanded us to do.

That truth hit home in my mind a few weeks ago as we sang a song in church titled “Shine, Jesus, Shine.”

“Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory,

Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire…”

As I sang those words, the Lord reminded me that WE are the light of the world.  If Jesus is to shine, we are the bulbs He wants to use. 

“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

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Shine the Light of Jesus

Our world is dark because we are not shining the light of Jesus.  Today, I encourage you to think about how you can shine the light of Jesus more brightly through your life.  Here are four ways Jesus can shine through you, based on Philippians 2:12-16.

Exercise Your Faith. (vs 12)

Paul encourages us to “work out” our salvation.  He does not mean that we attain salvation by what we do, but we should do things BECAUSE of our salvation. 

Just as we “work out” to gain physical strength, so also we gain spiritual strength through Spiritual exercise. By serving God in challenging ways, we build endurance in our hearts.  Being a Christian is not a passive existence, but rather an active pursuit of growth and service to God.

The light of Jesus shines through us as we serve Him. Then others see our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father. 

Engage Spiritual Disciplines  (vs 13)

Just as we “work out” our salvation, we also allow God to “work in” us.  God works in us as we engage spiritual disciplines such as Bible study and meditation, prayer, and worship.  Through disciplines such as these God reveals to us His desires and “good pleasures.”

The light of Jesus intensifies in us as we expose ourselves to the truth of God’s Word.  As we spend time with Him in prayer and worship, we begin more brilliantly to radiate His glory. 

There is no substitute for the intentional, purposeful disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and worship.  Our culture needs the light we absorb and subsequently shine when engage these disciplines.

Eliminate Negativity  (vs 14)

I know of few things worse than a sour Christian.  On Sundays we sing of the goodness and greatness of God and on Mondays we spew criticism and complaint.  Nothing dims the light of Jesus shining through us like the dark cloud of negativity.

We choose each moment of each day whether to focus on the positive or negative around us. Misery loves company. The only ones attracted to the darkness of negativity are those already enveloped in its miserable fog.

Our culture needs a good dose of positivity, and who has a more positive message than we do?  The grace of God in Jesus is great news!  Forgiveness, deliverance, meaning, purpose, hope, an eternal future are liberating concepts for any and all who will embrace them.

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Exemplify a Worthy Life  (vs 15-16)

Even the smallest bright light penetrates the deepest darkness.  When we live differently that those around us, we offer a bright and appealing contrast to their gloom.  Paul challenges us to live blameless and innocent lives.

Blameless does not mean we are perfect, but that when we do err, we immediately set about making it right.  Innocent means that we live in such a way that we remain free of accusations and insinuations.

We accomplish this by “holding fast to the word of life,” God’s Word.  Knowledge of and obedience to God’s Word allows the light of Jesus to shine brightly through our significantly distinctive lives.  We experience blamelessness and innocence when we live obediently to God’s Word.

Only the light of Jesus can overcome the darkness around us.  He has given us His light and we are His light bulbs. 

What is the first step you can take now? 

What will you do today to allow Jesus to shine more brightly though you? 

Shine, Jesus, shine…indeed…through me.

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