Backlit

"back·light·ed or back·lit -- To light from behind" (thefreedictionary.com)
"This causes the edges of the subject to glow, while the other areas remain darker." (Wikipedia)

If a person was to stand in front of a sunlit window, another person in the room would not be able to see his/her face. Because the light is so bright, the person in front of the window can not be seen clearly.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we, as followers of Jesus, were backlit? I want The Light of the World (Jesus) to shine so brightly that people can not see me clearly. Instead, they see Him!

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

The Paradox of My Love and His Forgiveness

"Therefore I say to you, her sins,

which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.

But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47

For years, I felt that my testimony was of no value and that I really had no story to tell about Jesus in my life. As a result of inviting Jesus into my life at an early age and the growth that followed, I didn't have a traumatic past or "backslidden" lifestyle. The Scripture above grated on my spiritual worth and value. I felt that because I had not been forgiven of much, that I subsequently didn't love much.

The deception of the enemy is so subtle in combining truth with lies!

I have come to know that it was true. I really did love little, because I thought I had been forgiven little. However, it had nothing to do with my past! It is all about now. I am learning that humility and repentance is a constant state of being--not in a sadistic way, but in being keenly aware of God's holiness and my sinfulness. Through this focus of heart, I have learned to love more and more because God has forgiven me of so much!

(By the way, in relation to the blog below about Evangelism, I really believe that I had such trouble with sharing my faith because I felt I did not have a testimony. I am so thankful that God has given me a testimony and a heart prepared to share what He has done in my life!)