As Jake and Mia walked home from school, Jake let out a sigh. “I feel so average,” he muttered. “Some people just seem to shine naturally, like they were born to stand out.”
Mia glanced at him and smiled. “You were made to shine,” she said. “Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world.’”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “Okay, but how? I don’t exactly feel like I’m glowing.”
Mia chuckled. “The more you know God, the brighter you shine. His Word fills you with wisdom, confidence, and glory.”
The Bible says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” That means your life is supposed to stand out, to be a reflection of God’s glory. But how bright you shine is up to you.
Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” God’s glory isn’t just some far-off, unreachable thing—it’s in you! Jesus even said in John 17:22, “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them...” God made you the expression of His glory.
But what is glory? Glory is great honour, praise or distinction. It’s majestic beauty and splendour, resplendence, excellence. And God created you for glory. You have a divine assignment, to increase and manifest the glory of God in your life? Each one of us carries the glory of God to a certain measure, and how brightly we manifest that glory is within our control. Our opening verse in the Amplified classic version gives an idea of how this happens. It says “And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.”
The more you know God—through His Word, the more the glory in your life increases and your efficiency, effectiveness and results multiply; your spirit is continually renewed, refreshed and polished. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” Fill yourself with His Word, and watch your life transform. So, how brightly do you want to shine? That’s up to you.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for your glory in my life, which continually increases as I study and meditate on your Word. That glory radiates through my being, making me competent, resourceful, more efficient and effective. I’m continually renewed and refreshed, greatly manifesting the fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name.Amen.
