Illuminate

When I started to do some research on the word, I found some very interesting things that follow that directly relate to how as Christians we are supposed to be

Middle English, from Latin illuminatus – meaning to light up.

1. The Noun

il-lu-mi-nate: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment

Eph 4:17-24
With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness--righteous, holy, and true.

As Christians we are not of the world any longer! The bible tells us that we have undergone a Spiritual Renewal!

John 1:4-6
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

We have been saved through the blood of Jesus, and to an unknowing world, that’s unusual! Not only that, we have the privilege of being able to look back at our sin and realize that we have been saved, we have been forgiven!

But that is also a call. We talked about talents – What are some Examples?

Eph 4:11-13
He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.

We have the enlightenment, we have our gifts….

2. The Adjective

il-lu-mi-nate: brightened with light; intellectually or spiritually enlightened

When I light a candle, you know it’s lit why? – Because of the light!
In the same way, when you are truly following after God, using your talents, gifts and abilities for him you glow! You can’t help it, and people will notice it!

Ephesians 5:1-2
Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

In case you forgot what the opposite of God’s example is:

Ephesians 5:3-5
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.

You want to illuminate for God? Listen up!

Still some might say, well I haven’t been on fire for God in long time.

Romans 11:29
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

Somebody say AMEN! God’s gift and calling is always there!


3. The Verb

il-lu-mi-nate: to supply or brighten with light; to enlighten spiritually or intellectually

Matthew 5:15-16
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

You’ve got your light, your gifts and talents, and your call – Now it’s time to take action! Go! Illuminate!

Mark 16:15-16
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

That verse doesn’t say, One of you go, it says all of you go!

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is what’s called “The Great Commission”
God has called us to go and be a light in a dark place!

Stop Waiting for some one else to save your friends!

You are missionaries! You are to illuminate!

Matthew 5:16
let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I’m challenging you today to make this verse your Lifestyle. It is our very purpose, and we need to never forget that!