Show the World the Light

You know, I'm continually blown away at how God uses sinners to bring Himself glory.  He doesn't need us at all to proclaim His glory and to be a light to the darkness.  But even though He doesn't need us... He has chosen us.  It's crazy to think that through our lives, the light of Jesus can shine so bright.  

In my failures... 
In my mistakes... 
In my disobedience... 
God's perfection is still displayed!

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1: 15-16 ESV

One phrase that particularly stood out to me during my recent spring break mission's trip to New Orleans was, "Show the world the light."  I don't even know if this is a phrase the speaker specifically said or just a phrase Jesus continually placed on my heart.  Either way, it's a phrase I'm trying to live out everyday.  If I try to show the world the light without my eyes focused solely on Jesus, that light will quickly fade.  Being a light in the darkness requires humility, in losing ourselves and living for Jesus.

"And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23 ESV

This is how the light of Jesus shines.  Reaching a point in life where everything you do has absolutely nothing to do with making your name known, but solely the name of Jesus Christ, is when the light of His grace and mercy will shine to it's brightest capacity.  Jesus meets us where we are at and says yep, I'm going to use you to change lives. I mean, how cool is that! 

"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! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

He doesn't expect us to be perfect, so why do we always feel like we have to be?  Find hope in your imperfections, knowing that God is still going to get glory.  God has placed us on a hilltop because He wants to use us to shine His light, so wake up everyday with the mindset that it is another opportunity to SHOW THE WORLD THE LIGHT.