if our light is to shine out of darkness…We are to be light pillars. In other words, we are to be pillars of light. Shining for all the world to see.
Consider these Four Light Pillars:
Light Pillar #1: Relentless Respect for all Humanity
·Every human being is part of God’s highest creation – the sumum bonum . The climax of God’s creation... man, people, others – YOU! When we see other people, we don’t focus or fixate on their flaws, failures, we simply view them with grace, humility, mercy, and gratitude knowing that God is not a respecter of persons – he doesn’t discriminate.
Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. (NKJ)
Light Pillar #2: RIGOROUS PURSUIT OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven!
The best result of forgiveness = reconciliation (Ministry of reconciliation; It’s a new thing!
We can blend in and be Light Killers and we can make the world a darker place, but we are called to Light Pillars - Walk as Children of Light!
Light Pillar #3: Ridiculous Generosity (your giving)
Matthew 5:40-41
"If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (NKJ)
Matthew 6:1-4
"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 "that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (NKJ)
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Give to one another, meet needs, bear one another’s burdens. Not selfishly, but consumed with an other-focused mindset! What stands out is not that you gave, but the open, public blessing on your life for doing it!
Light Pillar #4: Passion for Reckless Love
Reckless means wild, senseless, irresponsible! Remember this passage in Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said,`You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NKJ)
You...Yes, you! "You are the light of the world. Listen – it’s easy to blend in. That’s our nature – That's where it's comfortable. But we must fight the current, swim against it, live against it – shine as lights in the world. Love one another – by this they will know you’re my disciples if you have love for one another – and it’s this good work that will glorify your father in Heaven.
Glorify literally means to “be of opinion." They will be of the opinion that your God is a good, good God – good good father!