TOPIC:
SHOW THE DIFFERENCE (STAND OUT) WOMEN, LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE.
TEXT: MATT 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in Heaven”
INTRODUCTION:
God is light and we His children are children of light. The world we are in, is a domain of darkness but we can make a difference by letting the light of God, shine in a world of darkness.
Darkness is regular because the devil perpetrates it, however we can bring inthe contrast by reflecting our identity (as the children of light). As a daughter of our father in heaven, as a worthy daughter of Zion, and a worthy AG W.M Member with the mind of Christ, you can be a dispenser and reflector of light.
Women let you light so shine before men Let it shine before the youths Let it shine in your home.
HOW TO SHINE YOUR LIGHT:
A. By reading and knowing the word of God (Psalm 119:105).
The word of God will guide us when we read and practice it.
It becomes a lamp or light to show us the way to live and act.
B. By being peaceful (Matt 5:9; Romans 12;18). God wants us to leave peacefully with all,by this men will know that we are His disciples.
C. Always be at peace in the church
D. Maintain peace athome
E. Maintain peace in the market/workplaces
F. Don't keep malice or take revenge in the neighborhood
G. By raising Godly Children and doing your husband good:
We must have to see to it that we make difference by raising godly children.
Teach our son, and especially, our daughters how to be modest in character and dressing, teach them morals, so that they can be well behaved. They are extension of our light in the dark world.
I. A. LOVE (John 13:34)
Exhibit genuine love and compassion towards others.
Let your actions display the light of God in you by showing the unconditional love of God. The world is full of hatred. We can stand out by showing love to all around us.
B.Forgiveness (Matt.6:14-15)
Living a life of forgiveness will differentiate you from others. Letting your light shine by forgiving others even as Christ forgives you, your iniquities.
One other way to stand out or make a difference is to forgive those who offend us. The world is full of revenge, but we make the difference by forgiving those who offend us.
C. By living like Christ (Phil.2:5)
Having the mind of Christ in:
Humility: I Cultivate a life of humility.
Service: By ministering as unto Christ, let your service stand you out as a light in the church, home privileged in the society and doing good to those of the same household of faith. By living like Jesus in humility and by acts of kindness will help us to stand out in our society that is full of selfishness.
Prayer and Evangelism: Living a consistent prayer life and spreading the good news of Christ will be a way of letting our light shine and the darkness in the world will be overwhelmed with the light.
I I. HINDRANCES TO OUR MAKING THE DIFFERENCE:
A. Compromise (James 4:17).
We compromise when we lower the scriptural Standard expected of us in what we do. We should always choose to obey God in all situations, to prove to everybody that we are children of light. We must not compromise our integrity in business activities. By displaying Honesty and trust in business, we make the difference in our corrupt world or society.
B. Disunity (Matthew 12:25):
Disunity among believers will hinder the effectiveness of our light. Children of light must endeavor to live together in unity, as unity honors God. When we disagree and fight among ourselves, we will make no difference before unbelievers who watch.
IV. BE A WORTHY AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST (2 Cor. 5:20)
By being a worthy ambassador of Christ or a true representative of Christ in every area of life and places we are found, we make a difference and stand out in the midst of unbelievers. Example of the three Hebrew children in Babylon should encourage us as ambassadors of Christ anywhere (Daniel 1:8).
CONCLUSION:
Women of Assemblies of God must maintain a right standing with the Almighty God and showcase the light and life of Christ through our words and actions. We must brighten the corner wherever we are, be it in the church, family, society, etc. If we dedicate our mind and our time to God. We will be true agents of light and goodness individually or corporately. Let your light so shine till you make a difference. Don't follow the crowd! Stand out as an undimmed light. Remain unquenchable in Jesus Mighty Name!
Exclusive publication of the Women's Ministries, General Council of Assemblies Nigeria.
