A Radiant Life: Matthew 5:16
“16) Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Jesus wants to give you a radiant life. He wants to take away the darkness and replace it with light. He wants to heal the hurt, pain and emptiness. He wants you to become a trophy of grace. As you seek Him, the Holy Spirit does a transformational work from the inside. Over time, He turns a light on from within that reflects the presence of God in your life.
Notice, Jesus said, “Let your light shine.” As you turn your focus from self to others, an inner glow from God begins to get brighter and brighter. Soon others will be drawn to God through your demeanor.
Part of this glow for the believer is “God within.” The other part can be traced to transformed attitudes and actions. The Beatitudes listed in Matthew 5:3-12 shine brightly in any people environment.
But a warning, you cannot fake the fruit of the Spirit. You will quickly come to the end of yourself. Notice again, Jesus said “Let your light shine!” If you are born-again and Spirit filled, the source of light and spirit life is within you. Stop suppressing it!
This may require dealing some peck-measures or bushel baskets in your life. (See verse 15) Stop feeding your flesh. Stop feasting on bad attitudes and a critical spirit. Stop making excuses for being a grump. Deal with the things that are grieving the Holy Spirit in your life.
The Christian life is a process of putting off the old self, being renewed in your mindset and putting on the new self which is created in the likeness of Jesus Christ. (See Ephesians 4:22-24)
Be intensional about it! Constantly feed your soul “Power Foods!” Spend daily time in the Word and in prayer. Discover the value of good books. Redeem your time by listening sermons and positive inspirational audios. Memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture. Invite the Spirit of God to transform you from the inside out!
Let your light shine! If you know Jesus, the light is already there. It’s time to pull back the curtains and wash the windows of your soul. God called us to be children of light and to shine in His Kingdom. (Colossians 1:12-13, Ephesians 5:7-8) You can have a radiant life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global