Let It Shine
LENT 2024 | DAY 9
Mark 4:21-25 (NIV)
(Paul Gwee, Associate Lay Leader)
These verses serve as a timely reminder that the Light of Jesus which is in my heart must shine without interferences, such as being “under the shade or bed”. I should also bring it to wherever I am placed.
As I reflect further, what are some interferences in my life? Lately, there have been more requests for me to commit my time to the marketplace. In my busyness, there is a tendency for me to rush through my daily walk with Jesus who is the only source of the Light. I know that without a real connection, I cannot shine for Him and have a personal and close relationship with Him. Thus I must intentionally discipline myself to prioritise my commitments and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to decline commitments that may seem important but are actually not important. My relationship with Jesus is more critical.
Next, I must also actively bring the Light of Jesus to where I am assigned by Him. Yet, He warns me that I could unwittingly not be putting the Light on a stand. In other words, I need to be conspicuous so that others in the community can see the Light of Jesus and come to know Him. I must not be afraid to stand out in the crowd and be identified as a believer of Jesus Christ even though there could be unwelcomed stares. Notwithstanding my human imperfections, I must just take the plunge and be led by the Holy Spirit.
As a case in point, I was recently overjoyed to know that a former colleague had come to know Jesus through personal testimonies about what Jesus has done in my life and others’ lives as well. This is just like the Samaritan woman at the well who, upon meeting Jesus, went to her hometown and told her neighbours to “come and see” Jesus. There are still many of my colleagues and friends who have yet to know Jesus. The reminder to put my lamp on the stand encourages me to persevere. It is the Holy Spirit that works in the lives of others; I just need to be the light that shines for Jesus.
Just like the song “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine ……..”, others will be drawn out of darkness and into the transformative Light of Christ if we let our light shine.
DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. Can your colleagues tell that you are a Christian from the way you conduct yourself in the workplace? If not, why not?
2. Are you the light that points your colleagues to God? If not, ask yourself, “What bowls have hidden my light?”
3. Is there someone in your workplace that needs to hear about Jesus?
Pray for an opportunity to share the good news with him or her.
