In one of the teachings found in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh (Matthew 25:10-13), again giving the warning that we must be ready for the return of Christ at any time. What a difference Christians would make if we thought that tomorrow was they day of his return. How many more people would we share the gospel with today? How many more things would we carry to the Lord in prayer?
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have (Luke 8:18).
This particular verse is actually a warning that was given by Christ at the end of a teaching on our new nature as Christians: But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad (Luke 8:15-17). When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, He does not save us to simply allow us to hide our gifts, talents, and abilities – we are supposed to use them, as the candlestick in the illustration above, to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ so that all may see.
The warning that Jesus gives us is clear. If we take our talents, gifts, and abilities and use them for his glory, he will reward us with more. However, if we do not use them for his glory and honor, then we actually are able to use those gifts, talents and abilities. We all have seen people who are saved and are able to do tremendous things with very little effort to support the local ministry of the church; we all have also seen others that do have talents, gifts, and skills that they choose to keep hidden, only to lose them.
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Luke 11:35)
This time, Jesus is explaining to those who would listen, If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light (Luke 11:36) meaning, that as Christians, we should crave and strive to be filled with light that is reflective of God’s holiness and goodness. This same idea is found throughout the gospels and the writings of the apostles. Light can also be seen as the wisdom and guidance of God Christians gain through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Bible: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105). Outside of Christ, there is darkness. This verse also speaks to the choosing of whom we will call as our lord and master: No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13). Yes, we must make a choice to follow after Christ and to make sure that within us is light and not darkness.
The apostle Paul wrote and taught extensively about the choice faced by those following after Christ. He exhorts those who truly follow after the Lord Jesus Christ: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:22-32).
As Paul clearly teaches us, being filled with the love of Christ and being able to shine because of His grace and glory is something we should strive to do because of our love for Christ. Our love for him should cause us to want to put away the fleshly nature from ourselves; it should make us want to be more Christ-like in our treatment of others.
