Being a light?

[YHWHis1]

"Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, and are not as Moses, who put a veil upon his face..... But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not: but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. .....For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus'sake. Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." ASV 2Cor3&4

Is there any area of your life where you would think light is not shining? Is there any place in your heart when you have not renounced the hidden things of shame? Is there anyone to whom you would shy away from recommending yourself to that someone's conscience?

OK, I am not entirely asking you to answer that directly, though if you wish to then please feel free to confess and hear others' helpful advice, but rather, I am asking to explore areas of our lives where we, as Christians, could give a better reflection of the Light whilst knowing very well in ourself that we are not. (....... myself seeking for avenues to improve)

Honesty goes a long way

 

[EmmyLu]

Great question!
This was on my heart just last night in Bible study, as I sat surveying my fellow friends/Christians.

The viel image really rings true to me in a sense not exactly the same as this passge.
I sometimes ponder some of the Christains I know, and myself included, and think we are so far from the perfect body of Christ/church, far from great relationships, but also most concerning far from potential of doing what God is currently asking us.
If people are reading the Bible, and having and active relationship with God (like I am) don't people find God is telling/guiding them in SO many areas? I do!
I'm talking about guidence to do more of His will, to be more like Christ, and it is not harsh but loving and from the Bible we know God has told us it is for our benefit too! Sometimes I think there is a huge nature of apathy and this may be a reason why we, who want to follow God and praise Him and want to do anything for Him, don't even work on what He's already guiding us into.
When I think of my apathy and other reasons I don't follow God's guidence in things, I stress because in my head I know it's for the best, I know I can trust God, but still don't do it. As with other things I know from scriptue, knowing sometimes isn't enough.
I'm not sure where to go from here, maybe take baby steps in actually doing some of these things? Especially when they involve relationships.
As with a family member of mine, who I thought was so distant, and hurt (issues with themselves, not with me personally) they'd never let me get close, and I was always the one to call them. I perservered (for once!) and took baby steps - even though I wanted to fix our relationship to be close in an instant with those baby steps over 1.5 years (and sometimes making mistakes) I have arrived at now they call me, tell me they love me, and we are close! Sometimes I see God work where even we aren't really doing all we can. But every situation is different. All I know is God's grace is more than enough, but I don't always think it is, lol.

 

[Jakihe]

Yes, being more aware of appearances is a good one, I think. People look at Christians and expect them to be different. I think they are looking to see if Christ in our lives actually does make a difference.
I want to be more aware of my appearance as a Christian whether it is demonstrating modesty in my dress and behavior, humility, kindness, cleanliness in our home, the way I speak, the patience, forgiveness and kindness I can offer to others, etc; anything that will glorify God in my appearance and behavior, being a professing Christian.