2023 is the year to Shine. That's right! It's a new year, and the ministry has a new theme, "Shine: Be Holy, Live Righteously, Walk in the Spirit and in Truth."
This is a call to renew our commitment to be holy and righteous, to obey the truth of God's Word, and to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit. It serves as an encouragement to be a light that leads others to Christ. It is a reminder that for our light to shine, our lives must be clean. It highlights the fact that light shines brightest when the lamp is clean.
HOLINESS & RIGHTEOUSNESS
Holiness and righteousness are closely related concepts. According to the Bible, we are to be holy because the God we serve is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Holiness can be defined as a state of moral excellence. It is a call to a higher standard of living that is distinct from the rest of the world. That which is holy is separated from the filth and impurities of the world and is set apart for God's special purpose.
Being righteous means being in right standing with God. God graciously provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:14-16). To be righteous and accepted by God, we must place our faith in Christ.
It is crucial to remember that righteousness and holiness are about living a life that reflects God's character and actively engaging in activities that please and honour Him. They go beyond merely refraining from sin.
WALK IN THE SPIRIT & IN TRUTH
To walk in the Spirit and in truth means to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to be responsive to the leading of the Spirit, to be obedient to His promptings, and to be willing to be transformed by His power. Walking in truth entails living a life of submission and obedience to God's Word. As followers of Christ, we must actively put into practice the principles and precepts that God has given us in Scripture.
THE LAMP
The lamp is a metaphor for our lives. It represents our need to examine our lives and rid ourselves of the things that pull us away from God.
We must be genuine in our repentance and purposeful in our time with God, relationships, thoughts, actions, and way of life. We require fellowship with other believers who will hold us accountable and assist us in staying on track. We must also live in obedience to God's Word, in the Spirit, and in pursuit of the truth. Finally, we must rely on God's strength and guidance in order to live a holy life.
SHINE
2023 is the year to shine. Just talking about holiness and righteousness is not enough. We have to live it out. So, let us make a firm commitment to holiness and righteousness and live our lives with greater meaning and purpose. Keep your lamp clean and let your "little light" shine brightly in 2023.