Matthew 5:14-16 NIV “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] 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. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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Are we letting our light shine? Are people seeing the Jesus Show in us? Or are they seeing the flesh show? I’m sure you’ll agree we all can improve in following Jesus. But let’s talk about following Him when it’s hard. Let’s talk about persecution. 

Someone reviles you and it doesn’t feel good. They say all sorts of evil things about you. This causes others to notice you intently. It may be your boss, friends, or associates who now pay close attention to you because of lies spread. Maybe it’s someone else in a position of authority who has the power to cause you much harm. This is when things get tough. But in either case, it’s time for The Jesus Show. Think about it: it’s God’s will that people see Him through you. How can this happen if no one pays us any attention?

Could it be God’s will that the spotlight is now shining on you to let your light shine brighter? It doesn’t feel good to be slandered, have your livelihood threatened, etcetera. But it is good if it’s happening because you are a believer:

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Being persecuted for the faith means you are blessed and it puts us in some pretty good company. 

SHOW EM THE JESUS SHOW 

Now that the spotlight is on us it’s showtime. Show em who Jesus is. This may be the only opportunity some have to see Jesus. Most will not change. That’s not the point. But praise and glory to God will happen because of your Christlike conduct: 

1 Peter 2:12 BSB “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

Folks (even our foes) observe how we handle trials. Sometimes they become believers as a result. People need to see the real Jesus. Not the counterfeit, commercial Jesus they are sold through mainstream religion. Will you be the one to show them Him? Will I? May we live up to our calling and let our light shine even in difficult circumstances. It is in these dark times in the darkest moments when our light shines the brightest.

Please share this with a friend