For those of us who are in a relationship with God, who know the Good News of Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim what we know and share it with the world. There is to be a sort of “subtle boldness” about us. What do I mean by subtle boldness? I interpret the scripture to say that when God changes us, we begin the process of conforming into His likeness. His light – His holiness – begins to become more and more apparent. We are to let the light shine and then be ready to share the reason for it with all who ask about it.
I believe that God is doing the work of preparing hearts. He is at work cultivating and making ready the heart, soul, and mind of those He is calling into His family. Our job is not the cultivating. Our job is to shine like a witness and share the reason for it with those God has been preparing. We are to boldly share our testimony when asked, yet exercising wisdom in how and when we do.
I love the image that the Light of the World has come and walked among us, and now these many years later, we are still called to imitate shining His light. Jesus said, in His sermon on the mount, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We are not to hide the light of the One who fills us with His light. We are to shine bright. We have no reason to hide or cover up the light. We are to simply shine for all to see. When we live in this way, with God’s love and holiness radiating through all that we say and do, others will see and wonder, and come to know the source of our light.
Shine bright!
Blessings!