Verse of the Year

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Verse of the Year
January 2012

Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

il•lu•mi•na•tion [ih-loo-muh-ney-shuhn]
noun
1. The act of supplying or brightening with light, to light up.

This year's Verse of the Year is challenging. It forces us to realize that we weren't saved by Jesus simply for the sake of being saved. It forces us to realize that, “It's not all about me”. We were saved so that others might be saved and live for Christ.

So what exactly does it mean to be “the light of the world”? It sounds so spiritual and beyond our human capabilities. But isn't that the whole point of being a follower of Christ? It's only when we realize that we can't provide illumination by our own strength of will but only by His power that we are able to truly be that light to others.

In practical terms, what does it look like to be the light of the world? It all starts with your own relationship with Jesus. Be intentional in developing your relationship with Him this year. Be intentional in praying for the people God places in your life and spend time with them—in the good times when you can celebrate and the bad times when it is messy. Encourage them. Serve them. Love them. Be Christ to them and share Your Story of what Christ has done in your own life. God doesn't ask us to be spiritual giants. He asks us to be real—with Him and with the people we meet.

Just like a big, blazing neon sign grabs our attention and guides us—not to itself but to what it represents—we have an opportunity to boldly shine the light of Christ to a world that is lost and in search of what we represent as His followers. As a light, many eyes will be on you, watching how you live your life. Are you living it in a way that brings glory to God and points others to Him?

May your 2012 be filled with Illumination.