WES HUMBLE

Let it Shine There is nothing like it really. Being plugged into God and His kingdom should be the ultimate goal of humans everywhere. Our belief system is challenged everyday by the shifting winds of spirituality. The word spiritual is thrown around by many people. Society’s spirituality is very rarely based on scripture or on the absolutes of God’s word.

More often than not it is based on a little bit of this and that from many religions or schools of thought. There is no tolerance for some one or a religion that claims to have some absolutes.

On American soil, every other religion is gaining converts while Christianity is losing them.

We are losing three million people a year to secularism, consumerism, materialism and nominalism.

Americans are actively seeking for spiritual guidance but Christianity is no longer the natural place to look.

Three out of ten atheists say they are spiritual people.

There is an incredible need for Christ followers to be genuine people of the word of God. This world needs the light. Spiritually it is getting darker and darker.

There is a passage from the Bible that very practically tells us how we should live. We are to reflect God with our lives.

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to a group of Christ followers in Philippi and this is what he said:

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:12-16

Proverbs 4:18-19, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness.”

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:38

He also said, “You are the light of world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

According to a recent Gallup survey, an awful lot of people who call themselves Christians haven’t a clue what Christianity is all about.

Wade Clark Roof, says many have adopted a salad bar approach to their faith. Just pick and chose the spiritual beliefs you like, add a dash of God, and consider yourself a Christian.

The message of Jesus is more than that of a friend who helps us to happiness and self-fulfillment.

George Barna’s research results from lay leaders in today’s American church:

      Only 53 percent believe that there are moral truths that are absolute.
      43 percent say there is no such thing as the Holy Spirit.
      33 percent believe that Jesus never had a physical resurrection.
      19 percent believe Jesus sinned while on earth.

Often the behavioral differences are nonexistent between the churched and the unchurched.

Despite increased concerns about national morality, Christians continue to have a higher likelihood of getting divorced than do non-Christians.

How in the world can we share the good news of Jesus Christ when it seemingly affects our lives so little?

Let’s look closer at the scripture today. I want to answer the where, how and why we are to be lights in a dark world.

1. Where in the world do we let our light shine?

    A. We are to shine “in the world.”
    “...you shine like stars in the universe.” (NIV)
    “...you shine as lights in the world.” (NKJV)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15-17

The Bible is very clear about the fact that we are called to impact our society with the message of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt that Jesus emphasized that when He was on the earth and walking around.

He clearly taught His disciples that they should be about the business of letting their light shine.

The challenge for the church has always been the ability to translate their faith to the world on the street. We are masters at sharing our faith with each other. In the safety of this building or in our small groups we have no problem talking about God and the Bible but clearly we have a bigger mission than that.

Math. 28:18 states it clearly: “...Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,...teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you...”

We are to let our light shine in the world.

    B. In a crooked and perverse generation.

Gen. 6:5, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Does that sound anything like today?

Math. 24:37, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. . .”

That is a description of what Jesus said it will be like when He returns. We live in a crooked and perverse generation.

During an interview with a group of astronauts, the crew was asked, “What do you think is the single most important key to successful space travel?” One astronaut offered the following response: “The secret of traveling in space is to take your own atmosphere with you.” This observation from space helps us better understand Paul’s admonition for Christians to not be conformed to the world. By carrying the atmosphere of Christ with us, we can thrive in the hostile environment of this sinful and hostile world. Houston Chronicle, Nov. 7, 1996, p. 9A

Gross moral darkness covers the face of the earth and sin is everywhere. It is into this darkness that we have been called to shine our lights. To shine the light of Christ into the dark world is the call and mandate for all believers. Now the question becomes, How do we do that?

2. How in the world do we let our light shine?

The answer to this question is given quite a thorough treatment in this passage of scripture. There are several practical lifestyle issues that are dealt with. There are two not to be, three to be and two ways to live our lives that are given in this text we are looking at today.

In the old days of kerosene lamps the glass would often become smoky and need to be cleaned for the light to shine brightly or clearly through. Tell story of man who worked his way through college cleaning florescent lights. Let’s do some cleaning today.

    a. By not complaining.

This word really means muttering or murmuring. Always going around finding fault with everything some one else is trying to do. Do you know anyone like that? Are you like that?

When God led the “children of Israel” out of Egypt with the help and leadership of Moses they were continually complaining and murmuring about Moses and God. (Num.20:2, and Numbers 21:5-7)

Some of you really need to take a hard look at your attitude toward what God is doing. You’re not hurting me when you criticize me or this church or any other church but you are doing major damage to your ability to be used by God.

Read I Cor. 10:6-11

Carping doesn’t become you so please stop it. Get on board and quit whining. I’ve told you this before but the loudest boos always come from the cheap seats. When you are busying rowing you will be too busy to rock the boat.

A young girl surprised her mother with a beautiful and unexpected gift that she had purchased with her allowance. The little girl said, “Mom, this is for you because you work so hard and nobody seems to appreciate it around here.” The mother tried to be modest by saying, “Well, your father works hard too.” The astute girl replied, “I know, but he doesn’t complain about it.” Brian’s Lines, March/April 1999

Unfortunately when it comes to complaining there is no gender gap. We all have the ability to fall into this behavior.

    b. By not arguing or disputing.

This is dealing with causing problems by stirring up trouble with your mouth. Gossiping and telling tales. People love bad news. We love car wrecks and disasters. People who do dangerous things for a living have known for years that the crowds who come to watch are made up of a large number of people who want to see them crash or fail.

Do we have to be like that in the church? I really believe that there are some people who feel called to find every little bit of dirt they can find on other people and then share it with as many people as they can find.

Can I just say this kindly and gently...get a life. If some of you would spend as much time on your knees as you do running other people in the ground you would be amazed what God might to with you. This is one sin I have the hardest time tolerating. If you want to be a busybody and tear other people down then don’t be surprised when few people want to be around you. Who would trust you when you talk so freely about others behind their backs and criticize in a mean spirited way?

Let me tell you that I have no desire to hang around people like that and I found out I have scriptural support for staying away.

“Now I urge you brothers, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Rom. 16:17

Read Jude 16-19 “These are grumblers ...

A pastor had been facing repeated attacks from a very negative and critical woman. Her mouth was making his job almost unbearable so he sought some counsel from his dad. His father’s remedy to the problem was simple. He said, “Son, the next time that lady starts making your life miserable, you just get down on your knees and thank God she’s not your wife.” John Morgan, Sagemont Church

We better move quickly to the things we are to be. Their a lot more positive! These are things we need to do to let our light shine.

    c. By being blameless.

This simply means being free from blame so that no one can accuse you or find areas of inconsistency in your life. We are to live in such a way that we are known for our character. Character is what you are when no one is looking and what you are when every one is looking.

    d. By being pure. (harmless)

This is really talking about motive. What motivates you to say or do the things you do. We are to allow God to clean up the motives in our hearts that would pull us away from Christ--likeness.

“So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretence, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.” 1 Peter 2:1-3 (The Message)

    e. By being without fault.

The idea here is that we don’t have to be continually checked, corrected or chastised by God for our carelessness and because we fail to ever judge ourselves. Too be able to shine effectively we must be intentional about examining our spiritual walk.

    f. By living out the Word of God.

This means we are proactive in God’s work. All of us have been given gifts and talents and abilities and we are to share them in the work of God.

As God continues to add people to this body of believers or church we must find ways for you to serve or we are failing you. We are all called to serve.

    g. By living as a light

We are to live in the light and share the light because one day we are all going to stand before God. Christ followers have been called. It is not optional. Being a church soaker or sponge is cheating. It is cheating you from being what God designed you to be and it is cheating others because they carrying your load.

Use children’s church as an example.

Rom. 14:12 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

2 Corinthians 5: 9-10, “We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It’s no light thing to know that we’ll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God.” (The Message)

Every thing we do should be done in light of the fact that some day we will give an account of our stewardship of what God has given us.

3. Why in the world should we let our light shine?

    A. To bring honor and attention to God.

Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    B. To magnify Jesus Christ.

Phil. 1:20 “...so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”

    C. To divert attention from ourselves.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (John the Baptist)

    D. To be ready to appear before Christ.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Some of you may be tempted to wonder about your ability or usefulness to God. Please listen. Every one of you has something to be and do in the work of God.

It doesn’t matter where you have come or what your life is like now. God specializes in changing people and making them useful to Him and His work. A recent study revealed men six feet, two inches or taller average starting salaries 12.4 percent higher than equally qualified men who are less than six-feet tall.

In contrast, Southern Baptists use the name of one female missionary, Lottie Moon, to raise over $100 million per year for international mission work. Moon carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to mainland China over a hundred years ago and radically changed the dynamics of mission work. This missionary giant stood just four feet, three inches tall. True influence has nothing to do with your size, but it has everything to do with the passion of your heart. Living Obediently, Brian Harbour, 1992, p. 36; Lady of Courage, Ann Hughes, 1987, p. 24

So what do we conclude from all of this today?

We conclude from this scripture that God called us to be light.
We conclude that being His light is not an option.
We conclude that there are things in our lives that if allowed to continue will keep us from being the light we need to be.
We conclude that there are some things we must do proactively in an effort to intentionally let our light shine.

This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine.
This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Some of you remember the song: Hide it under a bushel No?

Unfortunately, all too often the church has become the bushel under which we hide the light. A bonfire of insanities is being lit under our noses while our candles hide under the bushel of the church. Let's get our lights out from under the bushels. "For God did not give us the spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, and of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Preacher Wendell L. Griffen reminds us that "Light cannot displace darkness by going under cover. Jesus emphasized that hiding not only frustrates the purpose of light, but also hiding a light in a dark place is pointless." And ridiculous.

We hide the light when ... we're afraid of the culture's racism, sexism, materialism, militarism;
We hide the light when ... we confine its glow inside church walls for a few hours a week;
We hide the light when ... we refuse to confront human sinfulness;
We hide the light when ... we fail to help in understanding what's happening out there and face up to the world that's actually out there;
We hide the light when ... we ignore the "big, real world out there," thereby endangering our own little world;
We hide the light when ... we ourselves aren't on fire.

May the fire and light of God burn in you.
May you seek to let His light filter through your life.

2003/09/21

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