The message that was planned for today will be posted tomorrow, because this is a preface of the series about “How Important History is” One of the teachers for Burnett Ministries sends me images, and many of them are useful to some of my messages.
When he sent this one about shining with a glow, my interest perked up. When I hear people say “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, this takes me somewhere, because they leave So out.
• So as an adverb – meaning to such a great extent. When using so in the proper context, it means to let our lights shine to the greatest extent (Matthew 5:16). The proof is emphasized on the scripture prior to it. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
• You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
• How can anyone glow if they are doing the same thing the people who are not born-again are doing? How are you going to glow (illuminate) with proper teaching/knowledge (training)?
• Those who are still saying “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine “do not understand how much difference there is between a “little” light that is dim, and a “bright” light that glows. This certainly indicates when these people are in their spiritual walk.
The results of people who use “This little light of mine”
They have less Word, which leads to less knowledge, which results in less understanding, and less understanding means they have less wisdom, which is the principal thing. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).
• How in the world can anyone who professes to be born-again handle the Word of God skillfully? For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe (Hebrews 5:12-13).
• Many babes in Christ think they are more mature than they really are, and that stems from pride. “I’ve been there and done that”
This is a formula for spiritual growth.
1) As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). This also means being teachable.
2) They should get somewhere and learn the foundational principles, and what is elementary. It is not normal to skip from the first grade to the seventh grade. Biblical principles are not like a hopscotch and skip game. Growth is a life-long process. In the natural, everybody started off as infants and we grew from the baby stage into adulthood.
3) No one is able to minister effectively beyond their level of growth. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith (Romans 12:6). In other words, stay in your lane, if not, you will hurt yourself and all those who are being ministered to.
• After knowing and understanding this message the readers should understand what it means to “Let your light So shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). When you’ve done what is required from the Lord, you will hear Him say “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”
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