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Let Your Light Shine
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

     In His well-known Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlined basic principles by which we ought to govern our lives. He talked about things like being humble and loving our neighbors, our spouses, and our enemies. He taught us the Lord’s Prayer and to seek first the kingdom of God. These concepts are the foundation of a solid and productive Christian life.

     Jesus also included another topic in this famous discourse. He announced that we, His followers, are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. I find it interesting that He did not say in this passage, “I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” Instead He bestowed this honor on the multitudes of ordinary people who were gathered to listen to Him.

     Jesus understood from the very beginning that His life and ministry on earth would be short. He came to provide salvation for all of humanity, but He realized that the work of spreading this Good News would be done by His followers - ordinary people like you and me. He gave us this great charge and trusted us to carry it out!

     The last words recorded by Matthew have been labeled the Great Commission. Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This commission is still in effect for believers today, and it begins in our own back yards.

     One of the best ways to share our faith with our friends, neighbors, and families is through living a godly lifestyle. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, “...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

     Have you ever been in a completely dark room? When all around is pitch black, even the tiniest of lights is easily detected. If you are ever playing hide and seek in the dark, don’t hit the Indiglo button on your watch. It will give you away! In a dark place, light cannot be hidden. Let’s face it, the world around us can be pretty dark, morally and spiritually speaking. When we are living for Jesus, and His light is shining through us, people will notice!

     Let’s look at an example in the New Testament. Remember, the disciples were ordinary people like you and me. Look at what was said of them. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus,” (Acts 4:13).

     When there is a recession and gas prices are sky high and your income has not increased and you can still pay your bills and have peace of mind, people notice! When you are going through a terrible trial and you still have peace and joy, people notice! When you politely excuse yourself from participating in the office gossip or lend an extra helping hand to a coworker, people notice! When you have a happy marriage and obedient, respectful, happy children, people notice!

     In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples the Holy Spirit would give them power not to witness, but to be witnesses. As Christians, it is vital that we know what we believe and how to share our faith in a concise and compelling way. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure of what to say, take a course in evangelism, read one of the excellent books available, seek help from a spiritual mentor and pray for boldness and guidance from the Holy Spirit. If we can’t relate the basics of the Gospel to those who are lost, how will they ever find Jesus? Still, sharing our faith is not only about what we say, it is also about how we live. When people see a striking difference in us – like darkness and light – it won’t be hard to convince them that what we’re sharing is real. They will see for themselves.

     Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

     You don’t have to go to seminary or become a missionary to a third world country to share the Gospel. You can begin by living the kind of life Jesus talked about in the Sermon on the Mount. Just allow the Holy Spirit to give you the power to be the Christian Jesus has called you to be. The example of your own life can (and should be) a powerful part of your testimony.

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Victorious Faith Ministries
219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201
Phone: 920-487-5775