Let your light shine
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
In accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Romans 12:3
Whenever I have the opportunity to do anything I feel called to, whether it be writing, leading, or pastoring, I have a mix of feelings. Part of me feels a sense of confidence that “I was born for this,” and the other part of me feels deeply inadequate, like “I am completely out of my depth”. While overconfidence is unattractive and causes us to do things in our own strength, feeling inadequate can lead to paralysis and an unwillingness to step up and give it a go. So, what is the correct way to view ourselves?
This scripture says the right way to think of yourself is with sober judgement in accordance with faith. We so easily swing from one end of the pendulum to the other. From “Did you see that? I am amazing!” to “Don’t look at me. I have nothing to offer.” The pendulum swing is emotionally tiring, and we are all susceptible to it.
We have all experienced some levels of success and had our share of failure. Sober judgement is realising God has uniquely gifted you, yet there is always someone more accomplished. You’re good, but there’s still a lot to learn. We are called to have a balanced view of our ability.
Here’s where it gets exciting though:
God doesn’t call us based on our ability; He calls us based on His ability.
At times, our strengths are a great asset to our calling, but often God’s calling can seem contradictory to our natural ability. Like the shy person who feels called to preach. These are the times when God wants us to respond in faith. Do we really believe that He could accomplish great things through us despite our weaknesses?
In high school, I hated the subject English, particularly the writing tasks which I found so frustrating that I’d often end up in tears. I nearly failed English, so I never expected in my wildest dreams God would ask me to be a writer. Today, writing brings me so much joy. I feel the presence of God as I write and the process draws me to the feet of Jesus.
At some point, we have to trust God with our weaknesses. Let go of our own ability. Focus on who we believe He has called us to be. This leaves us completely reliant on God, and right where we need to be.
Our talents are not given by God to impress others. They are for us to steward for His glory. We have each been entrusted with something to bring into this world. To fulfil our potential, we must be in close relationship with God. He gives us gifts to use for His glory so that we will return to Him for the instructions on how to best use them. It is about obedience and trust. It feels easier to hide. No critiques. No expectations. No visibility.
Yet, Jesus calls us to bring His light into this world.
The right way to live is with great humility and great confidence in God.
One of my favourite poems was written by Marianne Williamson, made famous by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech in 1994.
Our Deepest Fear
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”
I pray it is His face that is remembered when our faces are long forgotten.
That it would be His word received when our words are poured out. When
we create, I pray it would pave the way for others to know their Creator.
And in all that we do, I pray we would live for an audience of one, that He
would receive the glory.
Reflection
1. In a moment of stillness and silence, close your eyes and ask God to
show you who He has called you to be. What is it that He has called
you to do?
2. What do you fear? Or what is holding you back?
3. What would it look like to have the courage to take one small step into
what you believe God has called you to do?
Prayer
Father, help me to have courage
as I step into all you have created me to be.
Help me to boldly let your light shine.
Keep my heart humble and continue to draw me
into a deeper relationship with you.
Help me to use my gifts for your glory.
Amen
Take the time to reflect and share with someone close to you.
Or hit reply if you’re more of an online type.
Let’s make the days leading up to Easter count.
I’m with you.
Carly is a writer living on the Gold Coast, Australia with her husband Joe and their two girls: Beni and Selah. She is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, a lover of His Church, His people, His Word and life in general.
Faceless Worship is the first book in the series ‘A Pilgrimage to Worship.’ Across eight days of study, you’ll find word studies and accompanying links to scriptural references for further reading.
The Worship series is for all creatives and anyone seeking a better understanding of biblical worship. Book one, Faceless Worship, is a call to humility.
It’s for the hungry, the desperate, and those desiring to cultivate a relationship with Jesus that is so close that it causes all else to fade into insignificance.
Carly’s first book Daughter Wait is an invitation to consider a different approach to dating and relationships. If you have ever wondered: How do I have a Godly relationship? How do I know if he is the one? What are realistic boundaries in a Christian relationship? How do I move on from a broken heart? Then this book is for you. Written in Carly’s unique conversational style, you’ll cry, laugh and cheer as you follow her story of love and loss. Daughter Wait is a timeless reminder that regardless of your past, God has the best for your future.