LORD, TEACH US YOUR WAY

Let your light so shine The fact that we are commanded to let our light so shine means that it is we, by ourselves, that can hinder it from shining. The hindrance comes from the carnal nature, for it is self-centred. Unless we are delivered from self-centeredness, we cannot reach out in kindness to others. Therefore, it is important that we be urgent in dealing with the carnal nature. From the book of Acts and the epistles, we see how the early church dealt with the carnal nature urgently and swiftly. Time and again we see that those that were converted to the Lord were baptised in water, and got filled and baptised in the Holy Ghost the same days of their conversions. For instance, as Peter shared the word with the house of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit fell on them and they were baptised. Note the fact that they received the baptism of the Spirit and that of water the same day (Acts 10: 34-48). Also we read in Acts chapter 8: 14-17 that when the apostles from Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they wasted no time in sending them help so that they might receive the Holy Ghost - for as yet, they had only received water baptism. Peter and John went and laid hands on the Samaritan believers and they received the Holy Ghost and were baptised in Him. If we are not urgent in seeking to receive both water baptism and that of the Spirit, how can we overcome the carnal nature? We must understand that both baptisms are important in overcoming the works of the flesh. In water baptism we make a public declaration that we have been buried with Christ and that we are rising out of the water to live a new life in Him. In baptism of the Holy Spirit we are totally surrendered to God. Paul said to the Galatians, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5: 16). Clearly, the ultimate deathblow to our carnal nature is dealt by the fire of the Holy Ghost. WHY WE MUST ABOUND IN GOOD WORKS We must abound in good works and alms deeds because we need them to keep our lamps burning (keep our faith alive). True, we are not saved (justified) because of good works, but they are part of the proof of the work of sanctification in our lives. Included in the will of God for us are also acts of love that we are to do to our fellow men. Good works (acts of kindness) are part of the fruit of the Spirit in us. We must be warned that if our faith be dead, that is, without works, we cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven (James 2: 14-19). Love is expressed in the action it prompts. Through good works and alms deeds we show that we have the nature of God in us, for he who abides in love abides in God and God in him (I John 4:16). From the parable of the ten virgins we learn how the five foolish ones missed the kingdom because they did not have enough oil to keep their lamps burning (Matthew 25: 1-12). This clearly shows us why it is important for us to abound in acts of kindness towards our fellow men - which brings us to the all important question concerning this subject. Have we reserve of oil for our lamps? This is the question we'd be wise to answer now rather than when it is too late. In the present we can do something about it. The reason we must abound in good works is that we may have reserve of oil for our lamps. Tabitha (Dorcas), for instance, had buckets and buckets of oil reserved for her lamp. She was so full of good works and alms deeds that when she died, the widows she had helped stood by her body weeping, showing all the coats and garments she had made for them (Acts 9: 36 -39). Do we have good works and alms deeds that can follow us like those of Tabitha? If we have cause the hearts of the poor and the needy to bless God because of His provisions for them through our hands, then we are blessed indeed. Otherwise we must urgently cry out to God so that we may become compassionate and extend our hands to help those in need before it is too late for us. We cannot afford to take comfort in few acts of kindness because they cannot keep our lamps burning. From the parable of the ten virgins we see how the oil in the lamps of the five foolish virgins soon burnt out. Because they had no reservoir of oil for refilling their lamps, they missed the kingdom (Matthew 25: 1-12). The fact that they were virgins (pure) did not count because their light could not shine. Therefore, we cannot afford to concentrate our efforts on our own spiritual wellbeing while ignoring the need to reach out to others in kindness. It'll be foolish of us if we wait until the Bridegroom is at the door and then begin looking to buy enough oil for our lamps. Acts of love cannot be borrowed or shared with our fellow brethren; neither can they be done in a few moments. It takes time to cultivate love. The time those that wait to the last moment to buy oil return to the banquet, the door will have been shut. When they knock, the Lord will declare to them that He does not know them. Pray this will not be our case.