TODAY’S INSPIRATION:LET IT SHINE!

Author Christine Caine wrote, “If the light that is ON you is brighter than the light that is IN you, the light that is ON you will destroy you.”
I thought about what that meant as a Christian. It means if we want to know how we are growing as Christ followers, we should not focus on how the world’s light shines on us. We should focus on making sure the light within us shines through us so others can see Christ. The worlds light on us can be removed by man at any moment, but no one can remove the light within us. That is what shows our spiritual maturity and where we are in Christ. The worlds light on us can display our gifts and talents, and that is not a bad thing. God blesses us with gifts and talents. But we have to be careful because we can operate in our gifts while we are gratifying our flesh. However, when we operate in the light within us, it shows a manifestation of a transformed life by the power of God. You can operate in your spiritual gift but then immediately act in a sinful way. Maybe you’ve seen someone preach the most powerful sermon at church, only to see them be hateful to others at a later time. Or perhaps a person may give generously of their time and money to impact those less fortunate, but then turn around and be impatient and rude with their own family. What about the sister or brother who just sang the most beautiful song you have ever heard, and steps down from the choir and refuses to speak to you. The light on us can make us big headed, the light within us makes us big hearted. There is a difference in those people who continually let their light shine from within in their daily lives. The worlds light may not be shining ON them but you can see God’s light shining all THROUGH them.They may be serving behind the scenes, visiting someone in the hospital, or offering their time by just being with a friend in need. Their contribution to building up believers may not be flashy, but their character is deep because they have chosen not to focus on the worlds light. It really doesn’t take tremendous effort to operate in our gifts. On the other hand, to operate in the light within us, involves the difficult task of dying to self everyday. The light within us may not be shouting for attention but you best believe, we always know when that light is present in our lives and the lives of others. We also know when it is not. And most importantly sisters and brothers, God knows. Let your light shine through you! Love and Blessings…

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ( Matthew 5:14-16)