"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." -Matthew 5:14-16
In John 8:12 Jesus said that He was [I am] "the light of the world." and that those that follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. So then what does it mean for believers to be the light of the world also? For one as Jesus said we will walk in the light (righteousness) and not in the darkness (sin and unrighteousness). Just like a city with it's lights stands out on an elevated area, we too are to stand out even from a distance. We are to shine in places where we can be seen and not hidden from the world. A lampstand isn't covered or placed under a bed but it's purpose is to be in an elevated place so as to cover more areas of the house with it's light. Darkness hinders and causes people to stumble and not know where they are going, but light benefits those it reaches, it helps people find their way in life. The goal of every follower of The Light of the world is to also be the light of the world! And we follow Christ by doing good works that have been prepared before hand that we might walk in them (Eph 2:10). Lastly the way we shine bright should always point back to the light giver, who is God in heaven.
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LETTING OUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN AND THE WORKS DONE BEFORE MEN IN MATTHEW 6:1?
- ”Why would you ask God to make you a lighthouse somewhere else if you can’t be a candle where you are?” -?