God’s Children to be Light Bearers, November 1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
.
God never designed that one man’s mind or judgment should be a controlling
power. Whenever He has had a special work to be done, He has always had
men ready to meet the demand. In every age, when the divine voice has asked,
Who will go for us? the response has come, “Here am I, send me.” In ancient
times the Lord had connected with His work men of varied talents. Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, Moses with his meekness and wisdom, and Joshua with his varied
capabilities were all enlisted in God’s service. The music of Miriam, the courage
and piety of Deborah, the filial affection of Ruth, the obedience and faithfulness
of Samuel—all were needed. Elijah with his stern traits of character, God used at
His appointed time to execute judgment upon Jezebel.
God will not give His Spirit to those who make no use of the heavenly gift.
But those who are drawn out of and away from themselves, seeking to enlighten,
encourage, and bless others, will have increased ability and energy to expend. The
more light they give, the more they receive.—
The Southern Watchman, October
31, 1905
.
In all ages the “Spirit of Christ which was in them” (
1 Peter 1:11
) has made
God’s true children the light of the people of their generation. Joseph was a light
bearer in Egypt. In his purity and benevolence and filial love he represented Christ
in the midst of a nation of idolaters. While the Israelites were on their way from
Egypt to the Promised Land, the truehearted among them were a light to the
surrounding nations. Through them God was revealed to the world. From Daniel
and his companions in Babylon, and from Mordecai in Persia, bright beams of
light shone out amid the darkness of the kingly courts.
In like manner the disciples of Christ are set as light bearers on the way to
heaven; through them the Father’s mercy and goodness are made manifest to a
world enshrouded in the darkness of misapprehension of God. By seeing their
good works, others are led to glorify the Father who is above; for it is made
manifest that there is a God on the throne of the universe whose character is
worthy of praise and imitation. The divine love glowing in the heart, the Christlike
harmony manifested in the life, are as a glimpse of heaven granted to men of the
world, that they may appreciate its excellence.
It is thus that men are led to believe “the love that God hath to us” (
1 John 4:16
).
Thus hearts once sinful and corrupt are purified and transformed, to be presented
“faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (
Jude 1:24
).—
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 41, 42
.
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