The Illuminated Life

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLTThere is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 ESVAny perspective besides God’s perspective will leave even the well-trained traveler lost in the end.My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLTGod has both the position and compassion to warrant our always trusting His perspective. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 ESVThere is no sight without light.Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLTTo hide the light is to waste the light, and ultimately to choose darkness instead of light.No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Luke 8:16 ESV Zeal without knowledge is like fire without light. - Thomas FullerNo one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Luke 11:33-34 NLTGiving the truth and perspectives of God the prime space in every part of our lives is what it means to follow Jesus.Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35 NLTIf you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light. Luke 11:36 NLTI’m done with considering perspectives on matters that matter that don’t consider God and His word as the final authority. Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Psalms 139:12 ESV