Be a Light in The World (It's Your Calling as a Christian)
Every Christian on Earth has ONE calling in common. It's the calling to be a light in the world. We're called to be in this world, not part of it. God has us here to be in the world to be the light. Darkness has surrounded us in this world. How do we ensure that we are a Godly light to the world versus joining in the darkness?
What does it mean to be a light in the world?
Being a light in the world means you are living out your calling and purpose as a Christian and follower of Christ. Here's what is most important. Find your area of influence and be the light within that avenue or space. That is what it means to be the light!
Here are four ways to share and be a light in the world for Jesus:
#1. Always be available for the sake of love.
How available are we for God to use us? What I mean by this is when God calls us to share His love with the world, are we open to doing so? Do we walk and operate our lives out of love? I'm not saying that we should quit our jobs to be "on-call" while waiting for God to tell us to do something. I'm saying that it may take extra energy where you are today. Being available to love others is part of the calling on the life of every believer.The people around us will know that we love them based on our deeds, not our thoughts. We need to be compassionate and loving toward those that God has placed in our lives, even when it costs us time and energy. Being a light in the world and showing our light through love goes further than just praying for people. The world needs our actions as well! (Keep reading, I get into this more.)
#2. True compassion requires action.
When Jesus felt compassion, he sprung to action. We need to care about the hurting and broken in a way that we want to do more than just pray for them. When it comes to caring for others, we need to follow Jesus' example and spring to action. Most of the time, people are just looking for someone to care, not necessarily have all of the answers. At first glance, being compassionate can appear inconvenient and costly. However, I can promise that it leads to a sense of joy that you cannot find anywhere else. We must be willing to go out of our way to show compassion, not expecting anything in return. By expressing compassion toward others, we truly become a light to the world around us!
#3. Be a light to the world.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16
We are all called to be a light; it is up to us to decide what kind of light we are going to be. We may not all be a massive light that shines over an entire city, changing the lives of thousands of people every week, but our light is unique and ordained by God. You (We) are the only light that can reach certain places. We can never underestimate what God has called each of us to do.
#4. There are people out there that only you can reach; no one else can.
Who is the one person that God has placed in your life that needs help? Think of that person who is struggling right now. Think of someone who respects you and listens to you. Now, when they are struggling and need help, don't just pray for them. Remember, you may be the only person who can help them. Instead of praying, be there for that person! Spend time hanging out with them, listening to them, or doing something to help them physically. Jesus always made time for the one person who needed Him.Often God places certain people in our paths that only we can help. As believers, we need to step up and show the world love and compassion; because that is what will change them. The world is searching for what we have. Your job is to be a light in the world that leads people to Jesus! Being this light for Jesus is the calling that all Christians have in common.