We Are Born To Shine by Joseph Seger

Join James Loftin on February 26th, 2025 at 10:00 am Eastern Time (United States) for a live book study on our WE 419 app.

“You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-6

In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount we read this short but profound message from Jesus. “You are the light of the world.” Many know of it. Some even sing of it, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” But do we live it?

In Born to Shine, James Loftin walks alongside the reader in exploring what it means to truly be the light of the world – to shine our light into the darkness. But do we know what and who is in that darkness? And are we aware of how we are shining our light? This book reads as a loving companion for a journey of discovery – just as James teaches and coaches through his ministry, Follow One International.

We may know of oppression and injustice around the world, but have we taken the time to draw near and know those people involved. Do we care about those stories? Could we be light to even that darkness? “The unmet needs of those in darkness are urgent,” James writes, calling the reader to see and own the call upon us all as followers of Jesus. Jesus, the light of the world who pours into us His light. We know this well when we first encounter the gospel, “When we receive the light of Christ by faith, the desire to shine that light is a normal fruit of conversion.” It’s amazing what someone lit on fire by the Holy Spirit will do.

However, over time, too many of us get comfortable in our own well lit spaces and fail to go back to the darkness.

The reality is it can be hard to leave luminous, known spaces and go to dark ones. It is costly to shine your light in dark places. Someone has to pay the light bill – the wax on the candle may run out. James challenges the reader to continue on as the light of the world, for often a light shines brightest in the darkness, “How am I responding to God’s call today?” Questions such as these are paced throughout, keeping the book as practical as it theological and missional.

Each chapter gives the reader or small group lessons and questions to guide us all in answering this basic call. Scientific properties of light correspond to Scripture’s teaching on light. Truths such as light does not force us to see, but merely allows us to see – and, light is the source of all life in photosynthesis just as Jesus is the source of all eternal life. James offers a helpful framework in categorizing our efforts as selfish, benevolent, and strategic light. Do I shine the light only for my own benefit, benevolently for those who happen to be on my path today, or do I strategize how I can be specifically the light of the world?

With a missionary’s heart he walks the reader through these revelations and guides toward an action plan. This book is great for any church desiring to go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring their light to what breaks their heart. For light will always beat back the darkness. “It is God’s nature to chase away darkness with truth, mercy, and grace.”

James Loftin brings the church an insightful and challenging word with Born to Shine. It has been a blessing to me and my congregation as we continue to build our lampstands high for others. I will end with a few of his piercing questions for your consideration:

• Is God worthy of your highest praise for all eternity?
• Is God worthy of your most excellent service now?  

You were born to shine.

World Methodist Evangelism will be hosting a book study on Born to Shine on our online platform WE 419 (download on the App Store or get it on Google Play and get connected). This will be a live event with the author on February 26th. You can purchase the book here.