2 Corinthians 4:6 (NASB)

Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:6 is a Bible verse in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is teaching that God shines the light of the knowledge of His glory through Paul’s ministry to portray Jesus Christ to others.

There is only one good solid reason for being a leader, and that is for God to shine the light of His glory through us to draw others to the love of Jesus Christ. Any other reason is empty and vain.

Now don’t get me wrong. Each one of us is accountable to God for the work we do here on earth. We each have a responsibility to submit ourselves to His plans, so He can love others through us.

In that capacity, all of us have important leadership positions where we are right now—whether it’s in school, or working in business, retail, sports, government, but especially in our own families.

The Apostle Paul was in a very prominent position in the eyes of the new church. As he grew spiritually and as his ministry multiplied, his name became renown.

But Paul wasn’t honed and developed for leadership for his own glory. He was raised up by God to lead others to Christ, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. And so it is with each one of us.

The Light Bulb

In the first part of 2 Corinthians 4:6, it says, “God…is the One who has shone in our hearts.” The word “hearts” in Greek means: the thoughts or feelings (mind). One definition of “shine” is: to exhibit itself clearly.

You might be able to remember an occasion in your life when something was confusing or unclear to you, and then with the help of a teacher or parent, who said or did just the right thing, it was like a light bulb went off in your head and you understood.

That’s what Paul is conveying. 1 John 1:5 says, “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.” When you make yourself available to God, He will shine the light of the knowledge of His glory in your heart—your mind, thoughts and emotions.

It might be like a flash of lightening, or it could be a gradual awakening, like a sunrise. How this knowledge is portrayed, or seen by others, is God’s doing.

You’ll know it when it happens because the light of God will be shining in your heart—thoughts, feelings and mind. After you’ve had a taste of it, you’ll seek and pray for more.

It is very likely He will shine through you by the gifts He has given you. That’s why it is important to seek Him and study the Bible to learn what your gifts are, and to submit them to Him for development.

Unlocking the Truth – Face of Jesus Christ

God delights in revealing His light and love through the humble and the lowly, as much as the prominent ministerial leader. You have an opportunity, better yet, a privilege—to be that willing vessel for God to shine the love of Jesus Christ through, right where you are now.

That’s what Paul means at the end of 2 Corinthians 4:6, “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” As a willing instrument, you are the face of Christ.

There is no greater honor or place of leadership than that!

Study the Bible verse of 2 Corinthians 4:6 to know what an amazing privilege we have to be servants—leaders for Christ.

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