Shine the Light of Excellence

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”.

As teenagers, we are no longer too young to understand certain spiritual matters. We must begin to take our lives seriously knowing that we are here on a divine mission. That mission must be identified and fulfilled. And the quality of that mission is well spelt out – your life must impact others positively (that is what light does) and the impact is not to make you a celebrity but so that the Almighty God is glorified.

Here, in Nigeria, we value electrical light a lot because we do not have regular and constant electricity. So we shout, “NEPA” whenever power is restored. But it isn’t the light we are ‘celebrating’ but the power company. What an irony!

If you look at this light matter again, you will find that light makes no noise at all but you cannot ignore its value. Light illuminates – a place becomes bright when there is light; Light brings knowledge – people are said to be enlightened having come out of ignorance; Light gives life – plants get food through photosynthesis from sunlight; Light drives away fear – darkness which makes one afraid is driven away by light; Light treats health issues – babies with jaundice are exposed to light (electricity/sunlight) for treatment, etc.

But the quality of our light must be that of Excellence. What is Excellence? Excellence speaks of something outstanding; of distinction; most superior when compared to others. In our word, thought and action, we are expected to lead in the quality of excellence.

Pastor Timothy was a young man like some of you. Apostle Paul told him in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”. Just like Timothy, you can distinguish yourself and excel in anything…just make sure that it is in something good.

When you excel in school, at work, in church, in your neighbourhood and nation, in behaviour and character, your light will surely shine. People will notice you; recognize you; and be influenced by you.

Many people like good things. King Nebuchadnezzar was one of such. He liked premium quality; the type we refer to as top of the range… to serve him in the palace. In Daniel 1:3-4, the Bible tells us that the King ordered for a selection of young men of excellent quality – no disability, handsome, very intelligent, and knowledgeable in current affairs, full of wisdom and understanding. The King asked for distinguished young men. That was how people like Daniel, Meshach, Shedrach and Abednego were selected from among the many youths of Israel. They were the very best. No wonder the Bible says in Proverbs 22:29, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank”.

When your light is of excellent quality; when you distinguish yourself in whatever you do, people at the top will be looking for you, not ordinary men. Your light, at that point, cannot be hidden. I heard some time ago of a young lady who was struggling to build her business making moi-moi. And many people testified that her moi-moi was very good. A few years later, she was invited to the United States White House to serve moi-moi… yes, moi-moi - aka bean pudding.

Let me encourage you today, that from now henceforth, mop up every relevant information and knowledge that you will ever receive like a sponge and use them to make the difference in your life and the life of others out there.

Our God is the epitome of excellence. He is the Most Excellent King; the Most Excellent Father. He created excellence – Genesis 1:31, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good…”. And He created us in His image – so we can shine in His excellence.