Illuminate

Think of it like this. For someone who looks at you outside the church building, which passage do they see? Do they see the sweet aroma to God, or they see someone like them?

There’s a saying I grew up with:

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians! They praise God with their lips, but walk out the door and do not let on by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

We have been given this unbelievable gift of light, yet we forget that sometimes. We forget that we are to live a life that shows it!

The story is told of a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline and who received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning. Not being far from shore, he had frequent guests. One night a woman from the village begged some oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and granted them all. Toward the end of the month he noticed that the supply of oil was very low. Soon, it was gone, and the beacon light went out. That night several ships were wrecked and lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very repentant. To his excuses and pleading their reply was: "You were given the oil for one purpose -- to keep that light burning!"

When we fail to let God shine through in our lives, we are in danger of leading others to decay and death!

Galatians 6:8-10 (NLT)

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Don’t Give up. Don’t give in. It’s hard I know! But that life harvests decay and death. You might not see the rewards of living what is good, but your reward is not here!

3. The Verb

il-lu-mi-nate: to supply or brighten with light; to enlighten spiritually or intellectually

Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT)

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. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Notice the position of the lamp. It’s not hidden, it is boldly placed on a stand for everyone to see!

You’ve got your light, your gifts and talents, and your call – Now it’s time to take action! Go! Illuminate!

Mark 16:15-18 (NLT)

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them."