I know you may think that I’m talking about Christians who are always unwilling to give and to reach out to others in their time of need. The ones who are trying to get more and more–more material wealth and more status. But no, I’m not just talking about Christians who hold back the natural blessings such as money and charitable acts. I’m talking about those who are holding back what God has deposited into their lives. Paul said in Ephesians 1:2 God “hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings.” We have been blessed to be a blessing to others. God has richly deposited in us by his Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified Bible) so that we as Christians can deposit those same things into the lives of our friends, family, and even complete strangers.
Jesus did not save you for yourself but he also saved you for others. He told us in Matthew 5:14-16
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The light of Christ that is in us is not to be hid. I reminded of when the children of Israel where still in Egyptian bondage and God had sent the plague of total darkness upon Egypt. The good thing about it was that the children of Israel were not in the dark like the Egyptians; the Bible says that they had light in their dwelling places. Metaphorically, it is the same for us; while others are in the dark, we should still be shining the light. We are the light in darkness. We should lighten up the lives of those who we come in contact with. We should do it with an encouraging word, showing concern when you feel things are not going right with a friend, or interceding in prayer on their behalf. In closing, just use what God has given you to bring glory to His name through others!
Peace & Blessings from God above!
The Bishop Lee Perkins
