YOU HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO SHINE - PART 2

WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022

Beloved, as born again Christians, we are called to sustain a "distinguishing" Christian character from the rest of the world. In fact, this is exactly what Jesus said concerning us, "we are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:16 NKJV Paraphrased). Moreover, let's find out how to practically live out this truth in this present age.

Reference: Jeremiah 31:35 New International Version (NIV) "This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD Almighty is His name."

He who appoints the sun to shine by day! He is the Lord, God Almighty. In the same manner, He has appointed us, as the saints to shine as the day light in our various world. Jesus testified that John the Baptist was a burning and a shining light: and people were willing for a season to rejoice in his light (John 5:35 KJV).

To think of shining as light, you must be positioned in the light. How do I mean? 1 Peter 2:9 reads, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light" (NIV). Another important Scripture says, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son..." (ESV). Therefore because we are in the light, we are alive to God and are properly positioned to shine. To this effect, Psalm 36:9 (NIV) reads, "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Simply put, if you are in the Kingdom of light, you can exercise your spiritual senses to experience more light and then shine in your world. However, if you are not walking in the light, you are not going to be able to exercise your spiritual senses, and so you'll remain in the dark as those who are asleep. No wonder 1st John 1:6 (ESV) reads, "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."

Notably Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) reminds us saying, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." To live as children of light is to shine like the sun. But firstly, in what significant ways can we as Christians shine like the sun? Living and shining as children of light do not mean that we should precisely lay hold of a lamp or switch on our smart phone torches, like people stumbling or struggling to see in dark places! Conversely, living as children of light means that as Christians, we should maintain a distinctive and noteworthy lifestyle, patterned after Christ. Just as the sunshine illuminates the darkness that may have surrounded it, we as Christians, should live a godly lifestyle that are incompatible with the pattern, system and values of this world, bearing in mind that we are in the world, but not of this world.

As Christians, we shine by our words (speeches), and then our actions (deeds). Both of them are the means that make us, as unique, peculiar and distinguished as the sun that shines in the day. By words, the Bible says, "However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing" (NKJV). The KJV translation rendered it, "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect...", meaning that our speeches in this present world, when its in agreement with the Word of God, makes us perfect and that is the way to shine like the sun in today's world. Remember that James said, "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body" (James 3:2 ESV).

We shine by actions as well, because Jesus commanded us to do so in Matthew 5:16. It reads, "In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven" (CEB). Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 4:18; Daniel 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 1:7.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I'm grateful for the excellency of shining as light in my world. I cannot thank you enough for your grace, which is abundantly sufficient to empower me to function as the day's sunshine. This is good for the transformation and constant progress of those who are influenced by the light I emit, in Jesus' Name, Amen!