Called Outনমুনা

CALLED OUT: LIVING IN THE LIGHT 

If you’ve ever experienced a blackout, you know it’s at the most inconvenient times. You’re caught completely off guard. Everything is pitch black! You struggle to find your way around the room, bumping into things you cannot see. Finally, you fidget and find your phone light, or stumble your way through the house to that drawer where you’re able to light a candle. Instantly, a completely dark room is lit. Light is a wonderful and powerful thing.

Jesus spoke of light multiple times in scripture. In the book of Matthew‬ 5:13-16 MSG, Jesus called His disciples to Him, then He climbed a hillside with them, teaching them some powerful truths about light:‬

““Here’s another way to put it: “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!”

Jesus imparted something in His disciples when He called them up that hillside. It was a defining moment. He began to tell them why they were there: they were called to be the light, shining God-colours brightly to the world.  

We are also called by God to be light in our world - shining amidst the darkness, reflecting His glory, His love and His goodness into the world, and drawing humanity towards the Lord. 

Every day we are faced with the choice to be the light and just like the city on a hill, illuminate everything around us. Living in the light can bring so many positive effects in and through our lives.

Psalm 119:105 says that God’s light is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. There are times when in the natural, everything seems shrouded by darkness and there may seem to be no way, but living in the light enables us to see a way forward by faith as we walk out our calling. 

Matthew 5:16 says that when we live out our calling in the light of who God is, others will see how we live and bring glory to God. Never underestimate your example. The way you live can be a great testimony to the glory of God, drawing people to the hope that is in Jesus!

In 1 John 1:5-7 we learn that our calling to live in the light relates to our experience of true fellowship. When we stand before God in the light, we can stand before people without shame. Living your life in God’s light positions us to be open and honest before God and people. It is the safest place to find ourselves. 

APPLICATION/ACTION QUESTIONS 

• How can you reflect the light of who God is today in the way you live? 
• What areas of your life do you need to bring into the light of God?  
• Who in your life can you share this with and bring to God in prayer together?

PRAYER

Jesus, show me how to reflect the colours of Your light - Your goodness, Your love and Your grace - to those around me. May Your light so profoundly shine in my spirit that it shapes who I am. Holy Spirit give me strength to make a conscious decision to walk in Your light daily. In Jesus name, Amen.