Progressive Baptist Church's Website
Jesus Christ is the life, light and love of the world. As Christians we are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. We are to reflect to the world the light shining upon them from Christ. Our lives and characters should be such that through us others will get a right conception of Christ and His services.
All children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so are we to reveal Christ to a world that does not know Him. The obligation rest upon all Christians. Everyone to the extent of his talent and opportunity is to fulfill the Savior's commission.
The love of Jesus revealed to us makes us debtors to all who do not know Him. God has given us a light, not for ourselves alone, but to shed upon them. If we represent Jesus Christ we should make His service appear attractive as it is. Christians who gather up gloom and sadness to their souls, murmur and complain are giving others a false representation of God and the Christian life.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His disciples precious lessons in regard to the necessity of trusting in God. These lessons were designed to encourage the children of God through all ages, and they have come down to our time, full of instructions and comfort.
In every one of His children, Jesus sends a letter to the world. If you are Christ's follower, He sends you a letter to the family and the streets where you live. Jesus dwelling in you desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its pages. They do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness, and learn to love and serve Him. Satan is happy when he can lead the children of God into unbelief. He delights to see us mistrusting God, doubting His willingness and power to save us. That is why it is important that we speak only those things that will give spiritual strength and life.
Have there not been some bright spots in your life? Have you had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you look back in the chapters of your life experiences, do you not find some pleasant pages? Let your light shine now. Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing to the world about your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16 tells us, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." We have a lot to do with what God looks like to the world. The God that people see is the one that we show them through our words and actions. When you take the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in your heart. Let your conversation be of Him who liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. This will attract their thoughts to Jesus.
We all have trials and griefs hard to bear, and temptations hard to resist, but do not tell your troubles to your fellow mortals, carry everything to God in prayer. Make it a rule to never utter one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts by words of hope and holy cheer.
There are many pressed by temptations. Cheer them with brave hopeful words. Thus, the light of Christ may shine from you. We are supposed to be doing the work for Jesus until He comes back.
If the followers of Christ were awake to duty, there would be thousands proclaiming the gospel in foreign countries. And all who could not personally engage in the work would sustain it with their means, their sympathy, and their prayers. But we need not go to foreign countries or even leave home. It is there that our duty lies, in order to work for Christ. We are not to wait for special abilities, special occasions or special places before we go to work for God. We must do the work in our home circle, among those with whom we are associated, with those whom we do business and especially with those whom we worship with in church.
In closing, I'm reminded of the lyrics of an old traditional gospel song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." The inspirational lyrics of that song praise God and should enhance our worship experience. As Christians, our daily lives should be testimonies to the sincerity of our faith, so that others may see our lights shine to illuminate the way unto Christ, who is the love, life and light of the entire world.
