Let your light shine

Are you letting your light shine? Jesus says we are the light of the world and we need to let our light shine.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and if we are followers of Jesus, then He lives inside of us. If He lives in us and He is the Light of the world, then we need to let His light shine through us. But why?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, "So that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven."

We are not saved by works, but when Jesus is inside of us and His light is shining brightly for all to see, people will see the good works that we do in His name. They will know we are not doing good works for ourselves, but for God. They will, in turn, give glory to God.

Don't try to hide the light because society tells you to hide your faith; that it's a "personal thing." Faith in Jesus is personal, but it's also something we must share with others. Why? Because Jesus commands us to.

Read the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

We can't keep our faith to ourselves if we are suppose to go and make disciples of all people groups. It's impossible to make disciples by not telling people about Jesus. No, don't listen to society. Go and share Jesus with others. If we don't who will? We have to be concerned about eternity for ourselves and for all of those around us.

Let your light shine. Let people see Jesus in you. Let people see Jesus consistently working through you (good works) to glorify your Father in Heaven. We do good works not to receive recognition, a pat on the back, or for even a "thank you." We do good works to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. 

Jesus was always doing good works when He walked on earth. He healed the sick, raised the dead back to life, cast demons out of people, fed people, and taught people about the Kingdom of God. He did it for the glory of God, and to prove He was indeed the Messiah.

As Christians, we are followers of Christ. Go forward in Him, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.