Shining The Light of Excellence 1: How to Be An Excellent Light

Text: Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

What is a light?
A light can be defined as a phenomenon that dispels darkness, light is also a symbol of hope, love and eternity.
Characteristics of Light

1. Light cannot be hidden: The bible compared light in Matthew 5:14 to a city set on a hill, it also said in that same verse that it cannot be hid.
2. Darkness cannot dwell in light, where there is light, darkness cannot exist. John 1:5
3. Light is life, without light, men cannot live, John 1: 4
4. Light can travel anywhere and everywhere, John 1:7
5. Light is a guide, that helps people follow the right path, Luke 2:30-32

Now that we understand light and its properties, what is excellence?
Excellence can be defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
In the bible, there are many people that shined the light of excellence, but we will take just one as our case study for today, we all know him as Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar.
Characteristics of Excellence (Daniel)

1. Daniel was excellent because he had knowledge and wisdom from the word of God. Josh 1:8
   This book of the law shall not depart from thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
2. Daniel knew his God and he was able to do exploits for God. Daniel 11:32b; But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. How do we know God?

• By seeking his face through prayer, Luke 18:1, 1 Thess 5:17
• By meditating on the word of God.

1. Daniel was a youth who depended on God. Isa 40:30-31,
2. Daniel continuously waited on God to renew his strength. Eccl 12:1
   To shine the light of excellence, you must be more than just an average light, light bulbs die out when they have been used for some time, to shine the light of excellence, you must be even brighter than a star, you must be like the sun, the sun never stops shining, even when it is blocked by clouds, you still see its light. I pray that this word will help us to grow to be outstanding Christians that shine the light of excellence wherever we go, In Jesus Name. Amen.