In a recent interview with Stephen Strang on “The Strang Report,” Pastor Joakim Lundqvist shared his personal insights on embracing one’s divine purpose and radiating God’s love in transformative ways. Lundqvist emphasizes that many Christians hesitate to let their light shine, often feeling unworthy or inadequate. However, he urges believers to understand that their ability to shine doesn’t come from their own perfection, but from Christ living within them.
“The light that we can shine is not originating from our own level of perfection,” Lundqvist says. “It comes from the fact that Christ is living in us, and as we understand that, we can shine through our personalities, our gifts and everything God created us to be.”
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Growing up in Sweden, Lundqvist initially rebelled against the church, feeling disconnected from the traditional Lutheran institution. But at 16, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening after attending a Christian conference where he first heard the message of God’s goodness and light. “For the first time, I was introduced to a God I could know personally,” he recalls, leading him to give his heart to Jesus.
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Lundqvist’s journey from a secularized upbringing to pastoring a global church movement has been marked by a deep passion for encouraging others to step into their God-given callings. He shares how stories of biblical heroes, historical figures and modern-day saints have inspired him, believing that their lives make spiritual principles tangible. “Stories and testimonies are like the Word becoming flesh,” Lundqvist explains. “They make spiritual principles graspable and personal.”
In his teachings, Lundqvist often uses the metaphor of different light bulbs to illustrate the multitude of personalities in the body of Christ. Whether someone is an “oven light bulb” who shines under pressure or a “party light” bringing joy to those around them, he believes that every Christian has a unique way to shine for Jesus. “Whoever you are, whatever personality you have, you can shine for Jesus and make a difference in your world,” he says.
As he looks at the challenges facing the modern world, Lundqvist acknowledges the darkness and overwhelming problems that seem insurmountable. But he believes the key to fulfilling the Great Commission lies in mobilizing ordinary believers to recognize their role in God’s plan. “We need an army of believers who will realize, ‘I am the light of the world. God has sent me to make a difference in my world,’” Lundqvist declares.
Pastor Lundqvist brings with him a message of hope for every Christian: each person has a unique gift from God and a specific path in life that serves Him. “We are all called to be light-bearers,” he affirms, “no matter where we are or what our personality might be.”
This truth is echoed in Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden,” (Matt. 5:14). Every believer has the ability to impact their surroundings and shine their light for Jesus Christ.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
