Let It Shine

True Light

John 1: 6-14
"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the Light; he came only as a witness to the Light. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The true Light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born of not natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."

You see, when you allow Jesus to enter your heart, His special light is placed in you to shine throughout all the world - to those you encounter every day. You never know who needs a loving ray of sunshine to brighten their day or lift their spirits, so it's important that you allow His light to shine through you wherever and whenever. It's not always easy to shine His light in every moment of your life, as we are human and go through all types of our own ups and downs and emotions, but when you accept Him into your heart, rest assured that His light is in you and there is so much to shine, even through tough times. This light that only Christ-followers possess tends to shine even more during the harder times, as He is our one and only true comfort. Just remember, you are a special gem God has placed on the earth to sparkle with His love and grace. 

Matthew 5:14-16 

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

In Galatians chapter 5, the Bible gives clear understanding of what traits reveal the light of His glory and love. The heart of a Christian is the most beautiful heart their is and it should shine rays of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Honesty, Purity, Generosity, Forgiving, Humility, Courage, Compassion, Contentment and Cheerfulness are a few other traits that fall under the category of God's shining love as well. The biggest one is Confidence. A heart full of Jesus should exude confidence and never be afraid to shine His precious and glorious light. Keep in mind though, confidence is different than arrogance! You don't want to act better than others because you have Jesus, you want to exemplify a special Jesus confidence that others would like to possess as well!

To allow this Light to exist in you and shine through you, it's important to first start in the heart, because the Light shines From The Inside Out. 

P.s. To you who already possess the Light but have not found yourself letting it shine lately, start being intimate with God, pray, read your Bible and give every part of your life over to Him. Your Light will brighten up and start to shine more throughout your days! 

Thanks so much for taking time to read. I hope it was a blessing to you and it's my prayer that you will search your heart, allow the Light to come in, and let it shine!

Listen to this fun little country classic by Donna Fargo!
"You Can't Be a Beacon If Your Light Don't Shine" 

~Lindsey Gray