Arise and Shine - For His Glory, Not Ours

Arise and Shine - For His Glory, Not Ours

At times, the call to arise and shine can feel uncomfortable. We may hesitate, questioning whether stepping forward appears prideful or self-seeking. Yet, as believers, rising is not about self-promotion or aggrandisement - it is about allowing the glory of God that has risen upon us to be seen.

God’s glory in us is not meant to be hidden. It is meant to radiate as His light, pointing the world back to Him.

Jesus reminds us of this truth in Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This light is not our own. It is the outworking of God’s presence in our lives. When we allow it to shine, others are able to see who He is and what He can do. Our testimony becomes an invitation - a quiet yet powerful declaration that the same God who worked in us is faithful to work in them also.

As Christians, our rising is not rooted in pride, but in purpose. Scripture tells us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Our lives were designed to reflect His glory. To arise, then, is simply to live in alignment with what God has already established in the spirit.

Yet this is often where the tension lies.

We live in a world that associates rising with self-glory and personal acclaim. From an early age, we are taught that success belongs to us alone and that recognition should return to us. This worldview can make obedience feel conflicted. But for the believer, rising is not about claiming glory - it is about stewarding what God has entrusted to us.

Arising requires faith. It requires action. And that can feel daunting. Still, we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). When we trust God, our obedience becomes an act of humility, not pride.

Another common hesitation comes from misunderstanding our gifts. We may believe that our talents are personal possessions rather than divine assignments. The parable of the talents challenges this mindset (Matthew 25:14-30). The servant who hid his talent out of fear was not commended for caution, but corrected for lack of trust. God entrusts us with gifts so that they may be multiplied for His glory.

True humility does not mean shrinking back, aiming lower, or choosing what feels safe. That is often false humility - a subtle form of self-reliance that keeps us comfortable but stagnant. True humility is recognising our worth to God and responding with obedience. It is trusting Him enough to step forward, even when the outcome is uncertain.

When we refuse to arise, it is often because trust is being tested. Stepping out reveals where faith is still being formed. Yet Scripture consistently shows us that God is faithful, gracious, and merciful. His promises and the story of the prodigal son remind us that He is not waiting to condemn us for missteps, but to receive us with love and restoration.

Shining is simply the visible expression of God’s work within us. It allows others to glorify Him and aligns with our calling to be witnesses and disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). When we arise, we make room for His glory to be revealed.

This journey can begin quietly - with a simple prayer asking God for the courage to rise, to trust Him, and to allow His glory to shine through our lives.

This is not pride.
This is obedience.

So let us arise with grace and intention, declaring with confidence and humility, as Mercy Chinwo sings in Chinedum:
“My life is for Your glory.”

May the Lord bless the sharing of His Word.

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