We (Life Bridge Christian Church) just recently completed a study series that included components for Sunday Services, Small Groups, and two book options for daily devotions. The series was entitled, "Not a Fan." It was a great challenge for all of us who were involved in any way. We are not called to be fans, but followers of Jesus.
Probably the most impactful portion of the series was the video story of a man who moved from fan to follower and the change it made in the lives of those around him. People clamored for the opportunity to watch the film. It was good to see. It was even better to see the name of the production company who produced the 30 minute vignettes: "City on a Hill Productions." The production company knows their mission from Matthew 5:14. They are the light of the world.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16 NIV)
Our love for God should draw others into a love for God as well. People aren't attracted to a strained or antagonistic relationship. They shy away from people who fighting, arguing, or just plain negative. The same is true for a relationship with God. When they see you fighting Him, arguing with Him, or just negative about Him, they don't want anything to do with Him. That because it shows darkness. We are supposed to be light.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2 NIV)
Being light is not about condemning, judging, or always being right. It's about loving God so much that it fills our souls, our minds, and our hearts. The overflow of our love for Him inside drives the words and actions that are visible outside. We don't put on a show. We don't play-act at anything. We simply love, trust, and follow Him, even if it is not popular. Sometimes we will be praised for this love. Many times we will be ostracized for this love.
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 in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13 NIV)
Detractors will call us naive at best. They will attach us at worst. Regardless of their reaction, we continue to love, trust, and follow Him. This consistent "salt" changes our immediate surroundings, making it better than it was before. Over time, it will get the attention of people in our less immediate surroundings. We start becoming the light of our world.
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... (Philippians 2:14-16a NIV84)
Does your love for God shine like a light in a dark place?
Does the darkness around distract you?
Do you live this live of love without complaining or arguing, letting your light will shine?
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