Let it Shine

This passage reveals two distinct aspects of the divine light that is in every disciple of Jesus.

As disciples, both are important!

We have been given a responsibility that is not optional in our new walk. Yet, clearly the evidence of it being taken seriously is lacking!

And we know this to be true because overall we are having little effect within our communities and upon our nation.

And so, the two useful elements of this passage are...

1. Be an example of radiance.

I. We must be a Beacon.

As Scott Long spoke last week, he made the argument that we need to step up and let our light shine brightly.

We cannot hide what defines us a Christians but must stand up for what is true.

A. People need to see the difference in us.

Jesus says so that they will see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven!

Jesus is not speaking absolutely here, He is describing the effect that we can have on the world in general, and upon individuals, when we let our light shine.

In a recent interview last year at the Rock church in San Diego, Actor, Christian, Jim Caveizel told Christians that the time is drawing near that we will be forced to make a decision to either confess Christ or deny Him. He said that Christians in the West have been riding the fence too long, and so our witness has been weak!

People need to see us differently than themselves!

“Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord.”

It has been said, “The only Jesus anyone will ever see, is the Jesus they see in me.”

Are people seeing the difference?

B. People need a guide.

I remember flying into Logan Airport one night last year. We were coming in from over the ocean, and as we made our approach to the runway, I could see nothing but dark water below, but then off in the distance the marker lights of the runway. they began just where the water ended.

Our light is like the lit markers on a runway so that the pilot can see where to land the plane in darkness.

Our light shines to show others where the path begins, and to mark the boundaries.

But you know, there’s a price to pay for this. Many times we will stand alone.

A lighthouse stands on the cliff pointing the way to safe passage, but it stands alone.

The light flashing on the top of the prudential building in Boston stands alone.

And when you and I stand up for what is right, we may have to stand alone!

Because, they may not even realize that they need a guiding light.

Therefore, it is out of obedience to Christ, and out of compassion for others that we burn brightly!

But is this all we do?

Is there any other significance to our light shining?

Yes!

II. We must illuminate.

There is a difference between being a beacon that points the way and being an illuminating presence that reveals darkness.

Jesus says, “No one when he has lit a lamp puts it under a basket, but puts it on a table and it gives light to the whole room.

Think about this!

When you go into a dark room and flip the switch, do you then stand there looking up at the light on the ceiling?

No! You flip the switch on so you can see in the room.

Light exposes darkness!

A. Our light exposes and convicts of sin.

Our light must shine so that those in darkness can see the difference.

they need to see that their works are not in tune with God’s desire.

they need to know that there is a difference between right and wrong.

Think about it. What are people to be saved from if they never realize that they are in darkness?

I believe that this is where many Christians fail to see their responsibility.

We talk about loving people, but loving them doesn’t mean walking in silence. The scripture is clear that we speak the truth in love ().

Regardless of differing opinions, we must illuminate even in the darkness of political correctness!

We love sinners, but they need illumination in the darkness regardless of their sin.

We also cannot let political correctness quench our light.

we pray for our elected officials, but they need illumination on the dark bathroom bill.

But if we turn on our light and shine in that darkness, those that walk in darkness will be able to see the way.

If the room of political correctness remains dark, no one will be able to see the way of truth.

we pray for our elected officials, but they need illumination on the dark bathroom bill.

we pray for our elected officials, but they need illumination on the dark bathroom bill.

But if we turn on our light and shine in that darkness, those that walk in darkness will be able to see the way to it.

We must also remember that the light shines into darkness, but the darkness doesn’t get it, (). and that we are not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them ().

If our light is not illuminating the darkness around us, we will fail in the most basic of our Christian endeavors!

But lest we become prideful and condescending towards people...

B. Our light must be tempered with love and compassion.

B. Our light must .

We are not the fruit inspectors of other believers.

We are not the fruit inspectors of other believers.

We are not the judge over others.

We are not prophets of doom, but rather proclaimers of good news!

We are not the judge over others.

We are not prophets of doom, but rather proclaimers of good news!

Conclusion:

When Jesus was in the world He was the light of the world. Now, as His disciples, He has passed the baton to us and entrusted us as light bearers. How brightly are we shining?