Shine: A Message of Exhortation - The Christian Online Magazine

The Christian Online Magazine -

Recently, I visited a rural community Church. It just so happened that the service would be their Pastor’s last service. He had received a call to minister to cowboys. With much prayer and mixed emotions, he made his decision. This sermon would be his last.

I felt his love towards the people, as he shared the message God had placed in his heart. He exhorted the congregation to be the light in the community. Sharing the text from Matthew 5: 1-16 he reminded us that the first thing Christ did was to, ‘open his mouth.’

There was blessing after blessing in the scripture, but until Christ taught, they had an unopened gift available and waiting, yet doing them little good until they understood its worth.

I chewed on that piece of meat for a while. Six little words yet, what a powerful message. Christ opened his mouth and taught. He could have murmured and complained to God of all the sin in the world, drugs, promiscuity, murder, gossip, sickness. Yet, he sat down, opened his mouth, and taught. The message is just as dynamic today as it was in the day of our Lord.

Are we reaching out in our community, our city, our state, or simply next door? Are we afraid to ‘open our mouths’ and proclaim the love and blessings of God? Are we telling the lost there is a better way… a way for peace and contentment to reign in their hearts during times of trials? Are we sharing with them the truth, that a spirit of joy can fill their heart and soul, instead of alcoholic spirits that dull the senses and cause heartache and pain? Are we telling our young women how loved they are as they search for love in all the wrong places?

Where is your light, is it hidden under a bushel? Does it flicker for a time, and then as someone starts towards you it dims and puffs out, leaving them standing in the midst of darkness, or are you like the little glow worm, glowing brighter and brighter? Imagine, if you will, several tiny glow worms each individual glowing to his maximum ability. Do you get the picture?

Matthew 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. KJV

Blessed is he…..We are blessed people, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can think of so many things to be thankful for. Nothing compares to the joy we as believers should, and can experience, if we allow our light to shine. Did you get the message? Jesus said WE are the light, he didn’t say, “I am the light.” Our light should reflect Christ to the world. When they look at us, they should see him. More importantly, our lives should cause others to hunger and thirst for what we have in and through him.

As you gather with family this holiday season, may your light shine brightly. Ask God to open doors of opportunity, to expand your territory that you might minister to a needy, hungry, and dying world. Then…..Open your mouth. Give thanks!