Shine Like the Sun

Scripture: Colossians 3:3

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (NIV)

I once heard a preacher say, “Whatever you have will blow off on the way up or burn up on the way down.” There is truth in that statement. When you die and go to heaven, the cares and things of this world will have no impact whatsoever. That should make a big impact on us!

The Psalmist realized this when he wrote, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25–26, NIV)

Our inheritance is Jesus Christ. Someday we will be just like him. “As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” (Psalm 17:15, NIV)

Not only will we be satisfied, but we also will be ecstatic!

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2, NIV)

What a prospect to anticipate when we leave the environs of this world. Our glorified bodies are going to be something to behold: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:43, NIV)

We surely want to be motivated by the values revealed to us by the Lord. May all of us find ways to share Christ in our areas of influence, however small or large they may be. Remember this truth: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, NIV)

Today, ask yourself:

Has the impact of the above scriptural truth made a difference in my attitude and behavior?