Are You a Covered Light?
READ: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Have you ever put a blanket on a lamp and covered up the light? It keeps the light from shining in all of its glory. Are we like that sometimes? When our friends are swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain, and we don't say anything; we're not showing out true love for the Lord. We just ignore what they are doing because they are our "friends." But is that really "friendly" on our part?
In 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 he says, "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." Since we have the wonderful gift of salvation, why not share it with all those aruond us? The Lord says we should not be like Moses and pull a veil over our face, but stand with the Lord and let our light shine. He also says that when we do this we will have real life. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness." What other kind of encouragement do you need?
So, the next time your friends swear, steal or anything else that would break God's commandments, tell them they have sinned and then tell them the good news; that in repentence and faith they have been forgiven.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What impression do you give if you don't stop your friends from constantly sinning? Who else besides your friends can you stop from sinning constantly? What kind of steps do you have to go through to stop this person?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God to give you strength to stand up to those who are sinning but gracious enough to forgive them. Also pray that you might shine like a bright light and not be covered up in sin.