Do I shine like the city on a hill?

Have you also wondered how is it that you are called light in the Bible? Do you wonder what shines and how is it shining?

“You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

The Bible teaches us that Jesus is the light and through the Holy Spirit dwells in the people who have accepted him as Savior. So, if the light is in us, it is logical that it radiates, and is seen. So that’s the theory. But what about me? Do I radiate? Does anyone see that I radiate? Or am I only a flickering little light?

I am convinced that my radiance is related to how close I am to Jesus, how much space I give him in my life. When I am connected to Jesus, this will express itself in peace, gratitude and inner peace. People notice that!

In a previous post I wrote that it makes a difference whether I believe with my mind or with my heart. It becomes visible in stress, because it shows there what I really believe.

That is, I can state rock-solid that I believe God sees me and loves me. But when unpleasant situations arise, I am afraid, feel unprotected and alone. This will be seen in my behavior, it will be visible. If you know me a little bit, you’ll notice that what I say doesn’t match what I do.

On the other hand, if I remain calm in critical situations and radiate a deep confidence, people will notice and be amazed! If my trust in Jesus is stronger than any worries or fears, people will see that. This faith shines!

Quite often you don’t notice this faith in yourself because it’s a certainty that becomes so natural that you can’t imagine it any other way. Just as you see your own strengths as a matter of fact and have the feeling that anyone can do that!

I find it very helpful to observe myself, which of God’s truths are in my mind and which are in my heart. As I mentioned before, you notice this obviously in stressful situations and can deal with it accordingly.

All the good news you find in the Bible will shine from your behavior if you really believe it, because then it is a part of you! For example: God is my provider, my healer, my protection, my wisdom, he sees me, he is always with me, he is faithful and always the same….

If you believe more and more of these promises of the Bible and it becomes visible in your behavior, it points to God and gives him the glory. Then you are visible like this city on the hill and “all will see it”. And people will see that behind this shining there must be a great and good God.

We are the light of the world! You are a part of it! All the truths about God that have found their way into your heart are shining! Do you want to shine more? Be close to him, contemplate God’s word, give him glory and thanks. That’s good for your radiance!