Shining Brightlyfeatured

My original intent for this painting was not particularly spiritual. I wanted something new to hang over our bed, so I began to create a landscape using mostly fabrics. The painting needed a focal point, so I cut out some paper to create a sun. As I worked to refine the painting, I began to think about how the light from the sun is critical to our wellbeing. Without the sun, this earth would be a cold and lifeless rock.

God knew how much we needed the sun. Genesis tells us that he created light on day one and on day four God separated the light into the sun, moon and stars. God also knew how unruly and disobedient those whom he created in his image were going to be. Because his motive for all of creation was love, centuries later God gave us a lifegiving light for our souls, his Son, Jesus. My ponderings led me to title this painting The Sonshine of His Love.

Jesus is our spiritual “sonshine.” In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  He also said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus’s light illumines the beautiful path he desires  each of us to follow. Jesus’s truth reveals the dark sins hidden deep in our hearts and helps us clean out those dark and dirty places. Our life has eternal purpose and meaning because of the light of his life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus, however, desires more for us than just soaking up his light like turtles on a log on a sunny day. We are to be purveyors of his light. Jesus told his disciples (that means us!), “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Centuries earlier the prophet Daniel foresaw our role as followers of the Messiah: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

What does shining our light look like? Since pure and perfect love is the motive behind God’s light, it stands to reason that love should be the motive for letting our light shine.  I don’t know about you, but my love isn’t pure and perfect. My thoughts and behaviors often reflect love that is tainted by self-interest. My light flickers and fades instead of shining brightly.

Fortunately, God’s Word as written by the apostle Paul gives us guidance on how love should impact our behavior.

• “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
• “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8).

I hope I am not the only one that find these verses convicting and downright intimidating! If I honestly assess my behavior and my thoughts, I fall short of pure and perfect love every single day.

Jesus knew we could not shine brightly without divine assistance so he provided a helper for each of us – his Holy Spirit. It is only through the Spirit’s guidance and power, that I can inch closer to being the shining light that God designed me to be – a light that points people to Jesus. It won’t happen overnight, but ultimately I want the words of Daniel 12:3 to describe you and me! “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” That is my prayer today.