Just as there are two sides of a coin; two sides of a piece of paper; two sides of your hands; two sides of a book-the front and back; there are two sides of the purpose of the Light of Jesus.

(1) His Light to the unbeliever is to reveal His Love and the gift of His Salvation-Jesus.
(2) His Light to the believer is to reveal sound doctrine for reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.

Have you ever tried to walk across a darkened room? A little difficult isn’t it? Usually we will turn on a light and even if it’s dim it will give enough light to keep us from walking into something. Have you considered that the Light of the world-Jesus shines forth to give light not only to you but to those around you? Even if you don’t think of yourself as an “evangelist”, as a Christian, the Light of Jesus shines through you and others can see Him in you. I truly believe that it is impossible to hide the Light of Jesus in us. It is evident that there is “something” different about Christians compared to unbelievers. The Light of Jesus shines through each believer. The degree of intensity of His Light that shines in us might depend on whether we are a novice believer, a carnal believer or a mature believer. Nevertheless the Light of Jesus is in us; His Light is just more evident in the one who advocates his beliefs.

Think about it. In the natural when a light is turned on anything and everything can be seen easier. We can see across the room or street easier. Spiritually speaking, when we live according to the Word of God we make it easy for others to see the love and goodness of God. Others must see enough of the Light and Love of Jesus to make them want to come to His Light and receive His gift of Salvation. When people see enough of the Light of Jesus they understand and will be convicted that receiving Jesus-the Light as Savior is better than where they are (in the darkness) and they will come to the Light – Jesus. If we (Christians) are not any different than the world how can we say they need Jesus.

The second aspect of the purpose of His Light is to grow us up in His Word.  Father God wants to give us revelation regarding His nature and the Truth of His Word. He wants to increase His likeness in us and deliver us from those things that are not pleasing to Him. He does this by revealing the truths of His Word to us. He speaks to our heart and corrects us when we have done wrong, and His Word also encourages when we are disappointed, and His Word heals us when we are hurt. His Word also instructs us on how to behave as His child. God does not change but He is always in the process of changing us into His Image. God corrects those He loves so we should not shun away from Him at those times but draw even closer to Him so we can receive forgiveness and allow Him to cleanse us from the unrighteousness as He promises in 1 John 1:9. Never run from God, always, always run to Him. He is the answer for everything.

In order to be the vessel that shines with the Light of Jesus we must be prepared to give an answer to others of why we believe. We need to be prepared to give our testimony.  Some people get really squeamish when they think about telling others what and why they believe what they believe. But it really isn’t hard. Just think about where you were when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. Where you at church and answered the altar call; or talking with a friend at a coffee shop? Think about the Scriptures someone shared with you; look them up and make notes if you want in the front or back of you Bible to help you.  It is good to share our testimony with others but we also need Scripture to share with them because it is the power and truth of the Word that draw a person to Jesus.

When we take time to outline what we would like to say, prepare some Scripture verses, we will have the confidence we need and our faith will be strong in believing that God is going to help us say what He wants said. Let us pray for the love of God and the Light of Jesus to so shine in our lives that it will draw people to Him. We lift Jesus up in our lives by living a life according to His Word and others can see Him and will want to come to Him. Help us dear God to be vessels of your love, caring enough to let your Light shine through us.

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation.

John 8:12 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.

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

Acts 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord and always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of god may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Colossians 1:10 That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.