How Should I Shine in the World?

(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.