NOW IS THE TIME!

 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14).

As the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:

Every Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action) (2 Tim. 3:16AMP).

So with this in mind, when we read what God’s expectation is of us, we need to take it seriously. Reading and studying the Word of God is so vitally important for each of us as we desire to honor the Lord in and through our lives. We are so blessed to have received so great a salvation, and the Word tells us strongly not to neglect this gift. Not only do we receive amazing spiritual benefits, but we have a charge and a challenge to make a difference in our world.

In the Great Commission Jesus tells us to go into all the world and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). We may not be able go throughout the world, but we do have an area of influence each and every day—in our family, our church, our workplace, our community. And we have a message to share that is powerful and life-changing. We have a position in Christ that has taken us out of the control of evil and has put us into fellowship with a loving, merciful God, who wants our light to shine as our lives reflect His goodness.

I can honestly say that the most wonderful blessing in our lives is to have come to Christ, being translated from darkness into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. Again, with this comes instruction from the Word about how to accomplish His goals for us and our goals for His Kingdom.

I realize we all have very busy lives and the condition of our world seems beyond our control, but it’s not a surprise to our God. He knows all things, and He has designed you and me to be a great influence on this world as representatives of His heart. Wow! What a challenge! Again, if He has called us to this, we can and will be able to do all things through Christ, our Lord!

I want to encourage you to take more seriously your walk with the Lord. With instructions from His Word realize that you can and should make a difference for His glory! Look at Ephesians 5:8-16 from THE MESSAGE:

You groped your way through (darkness) once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep, climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times, but with God’s help it is time to awake and let our light shine!