Turn On The Lights

How many times have you played it small, dumbed yourself down, or even viewed yourself as being unworthy because of past or present sins? For whatever reason, I believe that at some point in time we all have been guilty of intentional mediocrity throughout our lives. In doing so not only do we inadvertently hinder ourselves from being our best selves, but also it prevents us from tapping into our Kingdom potential. This mindset of unworthiness also tells God that Jesus’ death on the cross was insufficient for the forgiveness of your sins. These are just a few of the enemy’s many tactics to keep us from our Kingdom purpose.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (KJV, Matt. 5:14-15). Jesus gives us light in darkness, He is our forever light source. The light that will come from us is not our own but shines through us on account of Him. Therefore, we are to be connected with Him in the same way a candle wick needs to connect to a flame source to produce light. His light is essential for creating greater Kingdom impact.

Here are just a few examples of many ways that help create greater Kingdom impact:

• Inspire each other in Christ by loving one another. Lead by example and let our actions, attitudes, and words align with the Holy Spirit. When we lead with love, we inspire others to do the same and we reflect the goodness of God to those that may not yet know Him for themselves. We never know who is watching us.
  
  
• Networking with others places us in alignment with people that may help us find resources to unlock opportunities for growth within the Kingdom. It also allows us to reach people of different ethnicities and backgrounds near and far from countries all over the world. This broadens our territory to create greater Kingdom impact.
  
  
• Foster our church community by creating a nurturing, positive, and supportive environment where people feel valued and accepted. We should also recognize the unique gifts and experiences of each of our members and how these gifts can be implemented within our community.
  
  
• Rest is essential for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Quite often it is the same twenty percent of the people putting in eighty percent of the work. Resting allows for renewal and restoration and creates the opportunity to create a greater impact. “I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls” (Jeremiah 31:25). In the text the word ‘soul’ refers to one’s emotional, physical and intellectual self. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup. Allow yourself grace and rest to become the best version of yourself for the Kingdom.
  
  

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which art in heaven” (KJV, Matt. 5:16). Remember that Christ lives in us; he fills us with His power and His strength by way of the Holy Spirit. When we lead with love and we tap into that same power and strength, we have greater Kingdom impact in our community and in the world we occupy. Never dim your light to appease others’ lack of self-worth. Light your candle and let your luminous light shine outwardly for the whole world to see His works through you.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing me to walk in Your Light and bask in the glory of Your wonderful works through way of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for being my Light in darkness and for guiding me through the unknown territories of life’s journey. Thank you for being the inspiration that I need to love my brothers and sisters as You commanded us to do so that we may become a vivid reflection of You. Amen