Radical Radiance: Living as the Unapologetic Light You Are

Alright, let’s look at something really captivating today. You know how the Bible talks about us being light? It’s not just some nice-sounding metaphor; it’s actually pretty mind-blowing when you dig into it.

Yes, God is Light, But YOU Are Light Too!

Think about it: the Bible says in Ephesians 5:8 (KJV), “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” We used to be in the dark, but now, because of Jesus, we are light. Not like light, but are light.

And get this – remember in Psalm 36:9 (KJV), it says, “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” God is the source of all life, and in His light, we see light. So, if we’re “in the Lord,” and He’s the ultimate light source, then His light is shining in and through us.

Photons of Faith

Okay, here’s where we go a little deeper. Think about photons – those tiny particles that make up light. They carry energy, they illuminate things, and they travel… well, they travel at the speed of light! Now, stick with me here. We are talking about GOD SPEED ACCELERATION! When you’re walking in faith, when you’re living out the love and truth of Jesus, aren’t you kind of like spiritual photons?

John 1:4-5 (KJV) tells us, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” The life of Jesus is the light, and it shines even in the darkest places. When you carry that life within you, you’re carrying that light.

Shine On, You Light in the Lord!

So, how do these “photons in the Lord” actually work? It’s not like you’re going to start glowing in the dark (though wouldn’t that be something?). It’s more about how your life impacts the world around you.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) is super clear: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth² light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”³

You are the light! You’re meant to be seen, to illuminate the path for others. Just like a photon carries light to brighten a room, your actions, your words, your love – all of it carries the light of Jesus to the people you encounter.

Don’t Hide Your Light Under a Bushel (Basket)

That “bushel” in the verse? That’s anything that keeps you from living out your faith boldly. Fear of what others think, doubt about God’s power, getting caught up in negativity – these are all things that can dim your light.

But here’s the encouragement: you are light “in the Lord.” That means the power to shine doesn’t come from you, it comes from Him! Just like a light bulb needs a power source, you need to stay connected to Jesus to truly shine.

Instruction for Illumination

So, practically, what does this look like?

• Stay Connected: Spend time with God in prayer and in His Word. That’s your power source. John 15:5 (KJV) says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”⁴
• Live It Out: Your actions speak louder than words. Let your life be marked by love, kindness, forgiveness, and integrity. These are the beams of your light. 1 John 2:6 (KJV) says, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
• Speak Truth: Don’t be afraid to share the hope you have in Jesus. Your words can be a guiding light for someone lost in the dark. Colossians 4:6 (KJV) encourages us, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
• Don’t Be Discouraged by Darkness: The darker the world around you, the more your light will stand out. Isaiah 60:2 (KJV) promises, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon⁵ thee.”

Remember – It’s About Him, Not You

Remember, this isn’t about how amazing you are. It’s about how amazing Jesus is, and how His light shines through you when you’re connected to Him. You’re the vessel, He’s the light. You’re the photon, He’s the source.

Go Be the Light!

So, as you go about your day, remember: you are light in the Lord. You’re carrying something powerful, something that can make a real difference. Don’t hide it. Let it shine. Be those photons of faith, bringing the warmth and clarity of Jesus to everyone you meet.