(Matthew
5:14-16 NKJV) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven.
We are the light of the world
whether we want to be or not. Jesus does not give us a choice. It is a role we
should take very seriously indeed to ensure that the light of God in us is not
obscured and blocked out, unable to do its saving work. Our light will shine at
its brightest if we show ourselves to be people with biblical values and godly
attitudes engaged in good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do.
When the glory of God comes on a person, church or
nation they become a light to those around them. (Isaiah 60:1-3 NKJV). Arise;
shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
The way we shine is through our attitudes and through our actions. We shine:
·
By exhibiting our good works in contrast with their
evil works, and that continually.
·
By exhibiting our self-denial, in contrast with their
self-indulgence, and that continually.
·
By exhibiting our heavenly mindedness, in contrast
with their worldly mindedness.
·
By showing that our conversation is in heaven, in
contrast with their showing that their conversation is of earth.
·
By showing that our treasure is in heaven, in contrast
with their showing that their treasure is on earth.
·
By showing our conformity to correct principles, in
contrast with their disregard of them.
·
By showing our conformity to the laws of our being, in
contrast with their shameless violations of them.
·
By manifesting
our faith in Christ, in contrast with their unbelief.
·
By manifesting
our sweet submission to all the providential dealings of God, in contrast with
their restlessness and rebellion against his providence.
·
By holding up
on every subject and in every way, both by precept and example, the light of
truth in opposition to their darkness
Light
represents the presence of God. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and
to the Israelites in the pillar of flame. The eternal flame of God's presence
was to be lit in the Temple in Jerusalem at all times. Light also represents
the direction and guidance of God. Psalm 119:105 says God's Word is a lamp to
the feet and a light to our path. 2 Samuel 22 says the Lord is a lamp, turning
darkness into light. As "light"
we are to illuminate or make visible. Our lives are to be an on-going witness
to the reality of Christ's presence in our lives. When we worship God with pure
hearts, when we love others as ourselves, and when we do well without growing
weary, we are lights shining. It is important, however to know that it is not
our light, but the reflection of Jesus Christ’s light. The people in the World will
see Jesus Christ in our lives.
