How was it that Christ walked this earth in the manner that He did and never sinned? That He handled the manner of His death with such incredible courage and grace…in silence? That He fulfilled to the last letter what was foretold He must endure? Yes, He was fully God, but He was also fully man. The Son of Man, He called Himself.
In my humble opinion, I believe that Jesus was able to “stay the course” because He was here on this earth for a purpose, and He knew exactly what that purpose was — He was the Light of the world, come to do His Father’s will. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind…. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:4, 9).
What about you? What is your purpose here? I encourage you to think about it before you continue reading. Do the priorities of your life revolve around the purpose you profess?
You may have to stop and slowly unravel yourself from the busyness your day to answer this question. The first thing that comes to mind may be the roles you play: mom, husband, daughter, friend, student, Bible school teacher, small group leader, employee, etc. It’s good to be intentional about these things, but we are to live for something even greater.
Or, you may immediately think of the Great Commission: that we are here to share the Gospel with those who have not heard it and make disciples. This is true. However, I want to share with you something that, for me, has given clarity to our purpose here as followers of Jesus Christ.
When the Light of the World came as a baby, He was Emmanuel, God with us. “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). After His death and resurrection, He returned to heaven, and gave us the promised Holy Spirit. Now, in our jars of clay, we have Christ, the Light of the World, living in us, shining His Light through us.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12) Now, WE are the ones who shine His light. We are the Light Bearers. When He taught His disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, He told them:
“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.” (Mt. 5:14-16a, b)
We are not here for comfort, to get the biggest house, the better job, the nicer car. Nor to make our country’s government perfect or come up with a solution to its problems. Nor to be the most fit and healthy person we can be. We are not here to be good at all our “roles.” We’re not even here to be a good Christians!
Our purpose on this earth is to shine the Light of Jesus Christ. We are Light Bearers, sent to share Christ to a lost world not by what we do, but by who we are in what we do — a shining light in a crooked and depraved generation.
People who are in a place to hear the Gospel are attracted to the light. They see something different in me and you…they see Him. We don’t have to figure out “how” to share the Gospel with them. It begins to happen just by our being with them — who we are because of Him. We are His beloved children. With us, comes Him. As we spend time with Him, learn to walk in His Spirit, as we read and obey His Word, our relationships, schedules, and habits reflect His Ways. Even with our sin can come our repentance and His forgiveness and…Him!
As Light Bearers, we refuse to complain or argue. We refuse to allow bitterness or unforgiveness to take root. We work to pray without ceasing. We strive to be holy and set apart by God’s grace, to walk by the power of His Spirit. We seek to follow Jesus Christ, our Lord, by loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
As Light Bearers, time with God in prayer, in His Word, in worship, and in fellowship with His people are not luxuries. They are not “shoulds” or just nice things to do if you’re one of those “holier” Christians. Just as a soldier must have his weapons and his unit’s battle plan and obey his commanding officer, we must actively pursue these spiritual disciplines if we are to fulfill our purpose. They are absolute, non-negotiable necessities, with eternal ramifications. We do not do them for the sake of “being good”. This is far too low a goal. We do it because it is our purpose in this world.
We are Light Bearers. Let’s go out and shine some light, shall we?
PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, Praise Your Holy Name for this piece of clarity! Help us to be shining lights in this crooked and depraved generation. Give us the time we need with You in quiet communion, and help us learn to abide in You throughout the day. Help us keep our accounts with You short, and confess sin as soon as we are aware of it. Plant this sense of purpose deep within us, as You did for Your Son! Help us to be all You are calling us to be during our short time in this world, and to remember that we are foreigners here! We love You, and thank You for Your power that works in us to desire and act for Your good purpose. In Jesus precious Name, Amen.
