Based on “The Cost of Love” by Pastor Dean Corns; 2/13-14/10,
Message #DC130; Daily Devotional #5 - “Let Your Light Shine”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): This week’s teaching discussed the cost associated with being a disciple of Jesus. It is important to remember that the hardships we endure are only to prepare us to better serve our Maker throughout eternity. As disciples, the attitude we display throughout this process is important. Like Jesus accepted the suffering He knew He would endure, we should accept the circumstances that will stretch us and be confident that they are warranted by an Eternal loving God who knows what is best for us. As we are stretched we may lose friends and family we thought we needed—but in the end, serving and loving God above all else will satisfy us (Isaiah 58:11).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The Word teaches us that we should love Jesus above our family and friends and be willing to lose them before we would be willing to lose Jesus (Luke 14:25-35). It is important to realize that Jesus is not asking us to preemptively go out and disassociate ourselves with all our friends and family who are not believers. On the contrary, Jesus often associated with non-believers, even to the point that it offended the church leaders of the time. When confronted by these religious leaders Jesus simply replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13) Likewise we should not be afraid to associate with non-believers as long as we do not partake in things that go against or separate us from Jesus. Jesus instructs us to do this very thing: “You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) It is important that we are not afraid to interact with non-believers, but at the same time are careful to follow a distinct Christian approach so that we bring honor to Jesus and lead the lost to Him.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): It is important that we do not hide our light by knowingly committing acts that fall short of God’s standards or compromise ourselves when in the company of non-believers. If we as disciples stay silent during discussions focused on things contrary to our beliefs or we do not take the time to help with the needs of those around us, we are hiding our light. We must strive to let the light of the Holy Spirit shine in every aspect of our life so that we can enjoy the fulfillment of bringing glory to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 1 John 5:2; Matthew 5; 2 Timothy 3
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Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.