I was reminded recently that I was designed to shine. So were you. We were created to carry the Light of the World.
There are all kinds of things that give light. There are lamps and lanterns, candles and flashlights of all shapes and sizes. Some fancy and ornate, and some pretty plain and utilitarian. Some have impressive technical features, others are simple and straightforward. It all depends upon what they were designed to do. But the one thing they all have in common is this: they don't have any light of their own. They're just containers and reflectors of light.
But in each one, there's a connection point that brings forth light. Lamps need a bulb, candles need a wick, oil lamps need fuel to burn. It's at the point of connection that the exchange is made, from darkness to light. It's the place where the light resides.
Light interrupts the darkness. Where light is, darkness cannot be. Light brings illumination. It reveals details with clarity and focus. Light brings a sense of security. It eliminates shadows. Light draws attention. People gather around light for fellowship and community. Light produces warmth, and it makes things grow.
It's that connection that causes the container to fulfill the purpose for which it was designed.
So what's our connection point? How do we deliver light? In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am light to the world; those who embrace me will experience life-giving light and they will never walk in darkness.” His light is the bulb for our lamp, the wick for our candle and the oil for our lantern. In Him we find the source of true light.
As we stay connected to Him, we reflect that same, life-giving light. And He expects us to shine brightly. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us that we, too, are light to the world. The Message translation puts it this way:
"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..."
Staying connected to our light Source is the key. Plugging in to the Word of God to illuminate and renew our minds. Basking in the light of His Presence to transform us from the inside out. Worshiping freely to reflect His light back to Him. It's the overflow from our constant connection with Him that lights up the darkness around us.
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I was designed to shine. You have made me to be a container, a carrier and a reflector of Your light. Help me to stay connected to You, my source of light, so that I can fulfill the purpose for which I was designed... to light up the world!