You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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 5:14-16 NIV
This is what I felt God calling me to write about last year. Shine Your Light. It is the purpose behind what I write for myself and for you–to encourage us to grow closer to God and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Is your faith passive or active?
A passive faith is one that may acknowledge God’s existence, but doesn’t hunger to know him more. Someone with a passive faith may attend church on Sunday but never crack their Bible the rest of the week. I know because I lived this way for a long time.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
God desires a deep, profound relationship with us.
The private acts of faith—reading the Bible, praying alone, listening to God, memorizing scripture, fasting, etc.—are vital to growing our faith and help us align with God. We cannot be obedient when we do not open our hearts and listen to his instruction.
The public acts of faith are how God uses us to impact the world. James 2:17 NIV says “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Are you taking steps necessary to draw closer to God? Can others see you reflecting the light of your Father? Can they see evidence of the fruit of the spirit in the things you say and do?
The closer we are to Jesus, the more the spirit will lead us to love others well.
A passive faith puts distance between us and God. How can we live in his purpose for our lives when we don’t give him the opportunity to speak to our hearts about it? As we actively grow our faith, we become more sensitive to the calling of God.
We can’t be passive in our faith; God wants us to actively draw near to him and then use our light to help others. He doesn’t need us to bring him glory, but what an honor that he chooses to use us.
Lord, we thank you for wanting us to be near you. We thank you for your patience and forgiveness. Please help us to be more active with our faith by pursuing you and glorifying you through our deeds. Help us to live our lives in a way that others can’t help but see your presence. Amen.
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