Image bearers of the Light

Today is a new day and day where we reflect upon Genesis 1:27. God made man to reflect his image. Scientists when researching the human cell at the form of conception, have said that they have seen a burst of light just before the cells start to multiply and divide to form life, literally bringing John’s words to life even in the womb.

”In Him was life, and life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.“(John 1:4-5)

The Bible says in Genesis 1:3 that God commanded light into existence. I've heard that a more accurate translation is “Light be”. Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). Who has called us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) But what does being a vessel of light look like? 

As light bearers we are to live a repentant life. It is not that we won’t make mistakes or fall short this side of heaven. We live in a fallen world and we ALL fall short of the glory of God. However, by living a repentant lifestyle, it enables us to stay close to him. He is Holy, Holy, Holy. If we truly follow him and his ways we will not be in moral darkness.

Light has positive and negative aspects. It illuminates things that are hidden and exposes them. This may be evident in your life when you start walking with Jesus. Light will expose things in others which will make you become unpopular. Darkness can have no part with light. Followers of the true light understand that Jesus cannot walk in spiritual darkness. Light exposes the dark ways, and exhibits the good ways.

Being image bearers of that light, the bible says to be on a lamp stand. (Matthew 5:14) Our actions in its context, is to put yourself in public view to be seen by unbelievers as having a higher standard of living in moral ways.

Not by doing good, but by BEING good.

Jesus displayed these attributes in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5) it isn’t natural, I agree to live this way. However, this is when we need to be in the supernatural. So that when people see this in us, we can truly give God all the glory he deserves.

We need to reflect this light back into the world. Just as a mirror has the power to reflect back the light, so should we mirror and reflect it too. Being light bearers is not in what we say or do it, but in what we are, in the likeness of Christ. So much so, that people would also want to mirror and come to know the God we serve.

What Jesus did was raise the standard and then he lifted people to that standard. We should not lower our standards to suit people, this is NOT being light! Being light is not going to be easy in this world, but we are not of it but in it ( 1 John 2:15) so it will not be popular, you will be persecuted for his name sake (Matthew 5:11) that’s when you know you are the light! Standing for what you know to be true according to his word.

So, let us in this fast truly become bearers of that light! So that other souls will repent and be converted to the true light of this world.

A great quote I heard by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - “Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” Let us strive for that in Jesus name. Amen.

Daily manna to meditate on….,,..

”Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”“ John 8:12 NKJV

”His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles.“ Psalms 97:4 NKJV

”Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ Matthew 5:16 NKJV

”“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

Food for thought……..

Are you reflecting the light of Christ into the world? If not, what changes can you make today to make this your lifestyle?