Shine!
1/3/09

Below are the words to the popular song by the Newsboys, "Shine". I've always loved this song, from the first time I heard it. It isn't just the beat, it is the message. As Christians, we are to be peculiar people. That doesn't mean that we have to be strange, but it does mean we must not be ashamed of being different. Don't be different just for the sake of being different, but true Christianity is contrary to the standards and patterns of the worldly people around us. If you are truly living for Christ, you WILL be different. Not intentionally, it is because we are in this world, but not of it. We are ambassadors of another Kingdom. We are pilgrams traveling through this earthly realm.

Jesus instructed us to let our light shine. He was telling you that you are a light, but you can choose to cover that light or to let that light shine. It shouldn't be hard to let your light shine, it should be a natural thing. Actually, it takes more effort to cover a light, than to just allow it to shine. It takes more effort to cover a fire than to allow it to burn. A fire naturally has light. If you are on fire for God, you WILL be shining with a bright light. You really cannot cover the light from a fire, except to completely put the fire out. We don't want to put out our fire for God, so we must not do anything that will cover it's light. Just let it shine!

So how do I cause my light to shine? Jesus Himself is the True Light. You cannot get close to that True Light without being affected by It. His light will begin to reflect through you as you draw closer and closer to Him. We each must make drawing closer and closer to Christ our top priority. As we seek Him and fellowship with Him, His light will be seen in us by others. Then the words of this song will ring true to you.

The light of God has caused major transformations in many people around the world, throughout history. When you let it shine you will inspire people to do things that they normally wouldn't do or go to places the normally wouldn't go. The light of God in your life is a powerful thing, so let it shine brightly. When you let your light shine for Christ, you will never know in this lifetime the impact that you are making on society.

"Dull as dirt, you canīt assert the kind of light that might persuade a strict dictator to retire, fire the army, or teach the poor origami. The truth is in: the proof is when you hear your heart start asking, 'Whatīs my motivation?'

And try as you may, there isnīt a way to explain the kind of change that would make an Eskimo renounce fur, that would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster, unless you can trace this about-face to a certain sign...

(Chorus)
Shine, make īem wonder what youīve got, make īem wish that they were not on the outside looking bored.
Shine, let it shine before all men, letīem see good works, and then let īem glorify the Lord

Out of the shaker and onto the plate, it isnīt Karma, it sure ainīt fate that would make a Deadhead sell his van, that would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons. Oprah freaks and science seeks a rationale that shall excuse this strange behavior.

When you let it shine you will inspire the kind of entire turnaround that would make a bouncer take ballet (even bouncers who aren't happy). But out of the glare with nowhere to turn you ainīt gonna learn it on 'Whatīs My Line?'

Shine..."

Lyrics: Steve Taylor / Music: Peter Furler