HOW DO WE PREPARE OURSELVES TO SHINE THIS YEAR

We have said that 2015 is going to be a year to shine the Lord’s light so that when people see us, they notice the glory of God.

All of us know how gold looks good when worn. However, gold is not found in the mud shining. There is a process that it has to go through so that it can be purified from dirt and impurities.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18: "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

When we live joyfully, praying at all times (not to ask God for things but to commune with him) and always giving thanks, we manifest the glory of God to others (we shine).

On the other hand, there are other factors that can hinder a person from shining.

The first is having a sinful nature. The Glory of God cannot be reflected by everyone. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

It is only those who have received the gift of salvation, who are born again that can shine the light of the Lord.

The second factor that can hinder one not to shine, is walking in sin. This concern born again believers who have not stripped themselves of sin and put on Christ as we are told in Romans 13:11

" And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already comefor you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

Just as the gold is removed from the mud, in order for it to shine, so must you also be willing to be clean so that you can shine His light.

Lastly, another factor that can stop one from shining is found in Revelations 2: 2-5. This concerns believers whose whose zeal and love for the Lord and His kingdom has gone. They feel that they are mature and know it all. They are also very judgmental. These believers cannot shine the glory of God as well.

Therefore, if you have not received the Lord Jesus in your life, purpose to do it today so that you can shine His light this year. 

If you are in the second category, you have received the Lord Jesus in your life but you are living in sin, repent and turn from those ways.

Let 2015 be a year to shine and don’t let anything hinder your light from being seen.

Extract of the sermon preached by Nahimana Dieudonne

Sunday 18^th, January, 2015