Called To Be A Light

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Ephesians 5:8 (KJV) Says, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:"

When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, and we become new creatures in Christ. As the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Matthew tells us, we are to let the light of the Holy Spirit within us shine through in all we do so others can see our good works, and glorify God for them. As the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ephesians tells us we are to walk as children of light. In short, we are called to be a light in a dark world.

As Christians we should be easily identified by our words, and actions. People should be able to identify us by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as follows: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. I encourage you to ask yourself, if others see these things in you. Are others able to recognize that there is something different about you? Can they clearly tell by your words and actions that you are a born again believer, and follower of Jesus Christ? Or, do you dim the light of Christ within you via your words and actions? It is vital that we live our lives in a manner that reflects who we are in Christ. The manner in which we live our personal lives is our greatest witness for Him. When others see us live our lives in a Godly manner and the divine peace and joy it brings us, they will want what we have.

Far too many self-proclaimed Christians attend Sunday morning worship services, and allow that to be the only way someone could recognize them as being of the Christian faith. Attending worship services on Sunday mornings, and then going out into the world displaying behavior that in no way reflects the light of Christ within us does more damage than good. Proclaiming to be a Christian and living like lost souls does more harm than good to the reputation of Christians, and Christianity overall. This type behavior has earned Christians labels such as "hypocrites." Clearly when the lost see negative behavior in Christians they may decide they want no part in becoming a Christian or in Christianity overall. The vital point here is this type behavior can result in lost souls dying without having accepted Christ.

I urge Christians everywhere to make sure your words and actions line up with who you say you are as a born again believer, and follower of Jesus Christ. Live you life in a manner that makes clear you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Conduct yourself in a manner that allows others to see the fruit of the Spirit. Stand firm in your faith and on God's Word even if it means standing alone. I encourage you to remember that you are called to be a light in this dark world.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!