If everyone acted the same what a poor, dull, unexciting world we would live in. If a person says that they are a child of God, yet they act like everyone else, what proof would you have that they are any different? I believe the world is so done with the crime, hatred and evil of this world that they are about to give up on fellow humans. BUT, praise be to God, there is hope in the Christian who willingly allows Christ to shine through them! Join me as we meditate on the difference in what the world should see in the child of God.
DATE POSTED Friday, 2022-01-21
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Matthew 5:13-16
TRANSLATION: The Message (MSG)
BIBLE TEXT: 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
APPLICATION: Many Bible students may not be happy that I chose a very plain speaking, simple translation, but as I looked for the right version to share the Good News from today, this stood out more that any other! When I think of hiding our light, I think of a time that I was boating and very much dependent on a beacon light to help me find the dock at the other end of the bay in the dark of night. For the nights that the light was not working, it was a real plunder to find the dock when you could see no more than a hundred feet ahead of you. When our men and women awake each day and question whether the only path for them to go that day is a repeat of what they did yesterday, it must be very dismal and discouraging for them. When they look to role models who boasts of having the blood of Jesus washed over them, I pray that they will see the same light that I was looking for in my pitch dark night. I needed hope, direction and assurance that I was on the right course. Our unsaved friends and family need that same assurance. It’s not something we have to study for, practice or prepare for, it’s a natural outlet for the light of Jesus to shine through us. But why do you suppose Jesus had to teach about some hiding that light? Isn’t it a shame that even today some still hide their light? Perhaps embarrassed to let their boss or friend know that they are different, and guided by different principles than most are? But think of the consequences if we are a follower of Christ and refuse to let our light shine. Jesus taught that we would appear lukewarm to Him and He would spit us out of His mouth. Way too often our actions far outweigh anything that might come from our mouth. As Jesus stated in our Scripture, when others see us freely place ourselves in very open situations and state our position with God, we will encourage those who sit on the fence about knowing God more intimately. Don’t you know how nerve wrecking it is to make a move in hesitation, or out of fear? Others are depending on us dear friends, let’s be who we say we are, so that they will welcome the opportunity to become a part of our ‘family’!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: With Jesus as our Savior, our Light, our Standard, it is important that the world is invited to partake of His goodness! Let’s invite them to join us!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, what an awesome day when You invited, encouraged me and let You into my heart! You have made such a difference in my life and I am eternally thankful for all that You are to me. Although I have nothing to brag about in self, I am higher than the clouds when I consider the difference You have made in my life. Please Lord, keep me humble, so that You might shine brightly in all that is accomplished through me. The world needs Jesus. May they see the peace that You have given to me and want to also meet and know You personally, so that on that day that we are called home to glory, we can all rejoice before Your throne. Please give me a new boldness each and every day and the wisdom to encourage others who need You. May You be glorified because of my surrender. AMEN!