The Pleasure of Shining Our Light

Reflecting Christ as joy, rather than mere duty.

Called to Shine

In the New Testament, we read of how Christians were described as zealous for good works because of the joy and love they had for their life in Christ. When acknowledging Christ’s sacrifice for us, it leads to devotion and obedience that becomes radiant! That radiant light is the mark of God’s people! Titus 2:14 states, “who gave Himself for us [Jesus] to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.” Jesus’ sacrifice has allowed us to live lives that are holy and have a greater purpose! When we live like that, that is something that people notice. We can radiate the love and passion of what God has done for us to others due to the significance and gravity of what happened on that cross.

The love, good works, and transformation that comes from a life as a Christian is one that family, friends, and even strangers can see. That light is one that we can use to point to God!! In Matthew 5:16 it states, “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.” We no longer aim to say, “Hey look at me! I am blessed and successful because of the changes and hard work in my life.” Instead, we proclaim, “Hey, I am a changed man/woman because of the greater purpose and grace of the Lord!”

Why Shining Our Light the Right Way is Better

In a world where our happiness is fleeting, the happiness that comes from faithfully serving the Lord soothes the soul. The world defines happiness by possessions, approval, comforts, pleasures, and success. But according to the Lord, you could have everything in your life go wrong, lose all your money, job security, and material possessions, and still be entirely whole and content in the fact that you are serving the eternal Lord!

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Those were the words of Paul. Paul was content in his life lived for the Lord, and it didn’t look like a secure, safe, or stable lifestyle (Philippians 4:11). How was he able to keep that mindset? Because he knew the purpose he had.

Achieving worldly approval or security always leaves you empty and insecure because it’s shallow and unpredictable. When we conform to the perfect image that God has made us in and the design for our lives that he has made, it is deep and secure! Psalms 16:11 states, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When you strive after the approval of God, it is a deeper and more satisfying pleasure!

I don’t know about you, but the happiness and peace that comes from being right in the eyes of the unchanging God is more attractive to me than trying to please the opinion of others or reach the man-made standard. The world will always have you wanting more and more, leaving us unhappy, broken, and exhausted, running on that treadmill of dissatisfaction.

What Shining Your Light the Wrong Way Looks Like

One example in the bible where we see the look of a “holy” life being used the wrong way is with the example of the Pharisees. We are warned in the gospel books about how they would practice obedience to God in shallow and self-serving ways. They wanted to be perceived as holy by men, completely neglecting the sincerity and true reason behind living a life of obedience! In Luke 16:15, Jesus states, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

When obedience is viewed as something to point to ourselves, rather than the Lord, we are doing it for all the wrong reasons. It’s not just about shining the light of a Christian. It’s about reflecting the light of Jesus.

As we read in Matthew 6:5, the Pharisees got their worldly approval. When we are seeking worldly approval from the actions we choose in our lives, it will never be enough in comparison to the true honorable light of a Christian. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 states, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” When we are using our talents and efforts for the Lord, there are times that it may be overlooked. We don’t desire temporary glory, happiness, or recognition when, at the end of the day, it is all for the Lord.

Conclusion

The beautiful thing about becoming a Christian is that the definition of happiness is changed. When we undergo the watery grave of baptism, we are no longer living for ourselves, but for the Lord. Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We no longer live our lives trying to find a purpose in worldly things; we have a much more substantial purpose and foundation built on the everlasting God.

This change is the Lord’s light that we should be reflecting. It’s no longer about us, but Him. A life of service to the Lord comes with innumerable blessings and deep, long-lasting happiness that is no longer defined by the world. My final thought for this reading is to remember the Creator whose light we are reflecting, and remember the uncontainable happiness that can come from that!

1 Peter 1:3-9: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.”