Walking in Glory: Embracing Your Identity as a Light-Bearer
- Pastor Eric Schroeder
- Mar 27
- 5 min read

Life has a rhythm we often follow without thinking. Some days feel like progress, while others feel like we're losing ground. We measure our lives by movement—how high we climb, how fast we advance, how far ahead we think we are. But what happens when the movement stops? When the climb stalls? When life doesn't take us where we expect?
The truth is, motion doesn't always mean growth. Effort doesn't always mean direction. Sometimes we're carried by the current, other times we fight it, and sometimes we just stand there, hoping it takes us somewhere better.
Following God isn't about going up or down—it's about walking with Him, step by step, on the narrow way He has set before us.
The Power of Hope and Identity
In 1 John 3:1-3, we're reminded of an incredible truth: "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are." This identity isn't just a title—it's a reality that should transform how we see ourselves and our future.
The world runs on outrage. Turn on the news and you'll see it everywhere—people hating each other, protesting, violence, fear, and anxiety. The enemy thrives on keeping people in darkness, depression, and despair. But as Christians, we run on something entirely different: hope.
The world doesn't understand us because it doesn't know Jesus. When we choose to walk in purity, holiness, and righteousness while the world embraces immorality, they mock us. But that's okay. One day we're going to see everything bright and clear. That hope—the expectation of seeing Him face to face—is what keeps us going and purifies us.
Hope and faith work hand in hand. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen." Without hope, we won't have faith. But when we have hope that we're going to see the promises of God fulfilled, our faith becomes unshakeable.
Called and Commissioned
Every believer is called and commissioned. It's not just pastors or missionaries who carry this responsibility—it's all of us. When Jesus said, "Go into all the world and spread the gospel," He was talking to every follower.
Your world is where you live, where you work, where you shop. Lynn Haven, Panama City, your neighborhood—these are your mission fields. You are called to be a missionary right where you are, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through your words, actions, and the light you carry.
This means looking at your workplace not as a burden but as your mission field. Instead of complaining about your job, ask God: "How do I win this place over? Who needs an encounter with You today?" Remind the enemy that as a child of light, he has no right to rule in your workplace. As long as you're there, you're taking territory.
Even Smith Wigglesworth, the great healing evangelist, started as a plumber cleaning toilets. He could have complained about the nasty work, but instead, he prayed over the toilets and began to see miracles. He understood that taking territory meant being faithful in the small things and seeking God's glory in every situation.
Shining with His Glory
In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we read: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory."
The Greek word for glory—"doxa"—means splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, and majesty. It's the same word used to describe the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars. This is the glory we're called to carry and reflect.
Moses spent time in God's presence and came down from the mountain shining so brightly that people told him to cover his face. But Scripture says we get to be unveiled. We're called to spend time in God's glory and allow His essence to shine through us so brightly that when we walk into the world, people notice we're different.
When the disciples saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain, they were amazed at how bright He became. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. That's what we look like on the inside—our spirit man shines with His glory. The question is: are we allowing that glory to manifest outwardly?
From Glory to Glory
We're not called to stay in one place spiritually. God calls us to be transformed from glory to glory to glory. This requires us to seek His face, surrender to His Spirit rather than our flesh, and be willing to follow when He says to move.
The creation itself groans for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. The world is waiting for us to step into our identity and walk in the fullness of what God has called us to be. When we do, we'll see crazy signs, wonders, and miracles. We'll see people set free and the impossible become possible.
But it all revolves around one question: Are we willing to follow? Are we willing for Him to change us? Are we ready to surrender everything and seek only His face? Are we willing to be obedient when He says move?
God is always calling His church higher, but it's our job to answer the call instead of staying on the same conveyor belt going nowhere.
The Victory of the Cross
As we approach Easter, we're reminded of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus endured torment, beating, mocking, and death—not because He deserved it, but because we did. His body was broken so we could be healed. His blood was shed so we could be cleansed and brought into covenant with God.
That covenant gives us access to the Father anytime we want. It seats us in heavenly places next to Jesus Christ. It gives us authority over the enemy. When the accuser tries to bring a case against us, Jesus points to His blood that still flows over the mercy seat.
This is why we can look at the enemy and say, "You are the forever loser. You have nothing against me. Look at the scars. Look at who I'm in covenant with."
Living as Glory Carriers
We're supposed to be glory carriers, examples of His light to a lost and dying world. When we walk through the grocery store, our presence should shift the atmosphere. When we stand in line, people around us should feel something different.
This isn't about being weird or radical for the sake of it—it's about being so filled with His presence that it naturally overflows. It's about expecting that as we go about our daily lives, God's glory will touch those around us.
The world is groaning for redemption. Birth pains are increasing everywhere—volcanoes, earthquakes, and spiritual unrest. We're living in crucial times, and the church must understand its identity and walk in the fullness God has provided.
No longer can we take a back seat. The church has always been called to rule and reign, to push back darkness and release light. If an area remains dark, it's because the church hasn't taken its place.
Walking Forward
So what does this mean practically? It means waking up each day with expectation. It means declaring God's goodness over your life, your family, your workplace. It means refusing to complain and instead seeing every situation as an opportunity for God to be glorified.
It means spending time in His presence so His glory rubs off on you. It means being willing to shift when He says shift, even when it's not comfortable or easy. It means remembering that you're not just going through the motions—you're on a mission.
The world needs to see Jesus, and they're going to see Him through you. Not through your perfection, but through your willingness to let His light shine through your imperfections. Not through your strength, but through His strength working in you.
You are called. You are commissioned. You are a glory carrier. Now it's time to walk like it.




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