As a lamp magnifies the light within, so as followers of Christ, we are called to magnify Christ by our lives. We do not live as those without hope, and it is how we manage minor, grating annoyances or major life crises that serve to either point to or away from our living hope.
Sometimes, if you are like me, we fail to shine for Christ. In Part 1, we looked at two possible reasons we miss the mark in the dark places of our lives.
But there is more to the story. Thankfully, God will never reject a broken and repentant heart, and when we seek Him, He gladly empowers us to light up the darkness.
But how do we do it? How do we live so that Christ appears big and our lives shine brightly for Him - even in the dark?
The answers, found throughout God's word, are refreshingly simple. In fact, you may balk at their simplicity, and wonder, 'Is that really all there is to it?' But friends, these three ways are clear and unmistakable yet profoundly powerful when lived out in a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-filled life. If you choose to follow them you will shine forth as gold.
Choose a golden attitude.
'Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had'. (Philippians 2:8)
'Do everything without grumbling and complaining. Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, or second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night...' (Philippians 2:14-16a)
'And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.' (2 Timothy 2:24)Use a golden tongue.
'I waited and waited and waited for God. At last He looked; finally He listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.' (Psalm 40:1-3)
'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.' (Ephesians 4:29)
'Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.' (Hebrews 13:15)Let our praises in the storms of life draw others to our Refuge, and make the most of every opportunity to encourage one another.
Follow the golden rule.
'Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never - I promise - regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.' (Luke 6: 31-36)
'Do to others as you would like them to do to you.' (Luke 6:31)
Three simple ways - yes, but easy? No. Impossible, in fact, when we attempt them in our own strength. Oh yeah, some days we master them, but inevitably we fall short. Thankfully, our Father in heaven has given us everything we need for life and godly living. We simply abide in Him and rely on His power to shine His light through us.
When we stay close to the Light, trusting in His power and purposes for our lives and continually seeking His face, we would naturally shine more and more as we reflect Him in all that we do. And as we glow in the dark places we'd invite others to enter into the sweet fellowship we enjoy with our God. A fellowship filled with peace for the present and security for the future.
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What about you?
Has your glow faded? Do you fail to magnify Christ in your life... to shine for Him?
I invite you to join me in taking some time to examine our hearts.
Let's pause and reflect and pray unceasingly to the Lord, asking him to shine His light on our hearts, to search us and see if there's any offensive way in us, and to lead us in the way everlasting. Only then can we shine for Him.
If on the other hand, you are still groping in the darkness, exhausted from trying to light your own way, I invite you to read the good news here or see an outline here. My prayer is that you will accept God's invitation to ignite the flame within you.
Jesus said, "I am the light of this world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
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Today, as you read this, I pray that God will equip us with power anew to shine forth as gold and spread the light of His mercy and love to this sin-darkened world.
'Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.' (Hebrews 13:20-21)
