We Are {the Light of the World}

We Are by Kari Jobe

So wake up sleeper, lift your head

We were meant for more than this

Fight the shadows conquer death

Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world

We are the city on a hill

We are the light of the world

We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

We are called to the spread the news

Tell the world the simple truth

Jesus came to save, there’s freedom in His Name

So let His love break through

I've been playing this song on repeat in my car recently, and today I was very excited when we sang it in church. God has been reminding me {a lot} recently, that no matter where I am, it is my responsibility is to spread his light. My mission is to be his hands and feet. He's been showing me that I can do ministry here in the U.S. through my job, at the grocery store, and even through conversations with friends. 

A few days ago, a friend asked me at what point I began to come out of my 'shell' and not be so shy. I had to think about it a bit, and I responded by telling her that during college I was forced to open up more due to roles I played in leadership and in various schools where I was placed for practicums. I couldn't pinpoint an exact time of change, but rather circumstances that changed me little by little.

I've been pondering this question over the last few days, and I've drawn a few conclusions of my own. You see, I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember. My parents took me to church most Sundays during my childhood, and I remember I was baptized at the ripe age of 9 on my father's birthday. Even though I was told that I had been saved from my sin and had Jesus 'living in my heart' (as if He hadn't forgiven me or been with me before this point), I never truly quit living for myself. I prayed and I read my Bible, but I still lived to do what I wanted to do, facing the struggles of most teenage girls in the areas of worldly pressures from friends and my desire to fit in. While I faithfully attended church and youth group, my personal relationship with Christ was typically forgotten about 6 out of 7 days a week. 

It wasn't until college when I had to go to church without my parents that my faith really began to take a turn for the better. After being in a few ministry roles and a mission trip, I began to really understand what it meant to have Christ living in me. I develop a yearning I had never felt before. I had a stronger desire to please Him, to spread the gospel, and to show his love to others. This desire was so strong, I sometimes stayed awake at night feeling as if I'd failed Him on that particular day. It was this realization of what truly living for Christ meant that I believe has transformed me from the shy, quiet girl I used to be into the confident, outgoing lady I have become.

No longer do I fear what others think of me if I mention Christ in conversation or get overly excited about a new Christian worship song I've fallen in love with. I don't worry {as much} about where my future will take me, because I have learned that as long as I'm serving the Lord, it doesn't matter where I am physically. I have discovered the joy of the Lord, and I have allowed him to fill me with peace. This joy and peace Christ has given me have changed me. It is only by the grace of God that I no longer live in fear of the world, for I know that with Christ by my side, nothing in this world matters.

The song above says it perfectly, "WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!" If we don't get out there and spread the saving word of the Lord, who will do it for us. There are people in my life, that I may be the only person to ever show them Jesus. I would hate for them to die without ever having had the opportunity to experience Christ's saving grace. I will make the most of the time I have left, for no man knows when his final breath may be. 

Whether I remain here in the U.S. or return to Peru {or another nation} I will take the challenge and be a light in this world. 

Let me leave you with a verse fro Matthew 5:14-16 ~ 

14~ You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15~ 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.
16~ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.