Light of the World

Have you ever been in a situation where there were lights on around you that you were not aware of until it was dark? This happened to me when I was recovering from surgery and had to sleep in my recliner. When the house lights were turned off, I was surprised at how many lights were still on. There were the flickering lights of our internet server, the power light on our TV, the little blue light from a wireless speaker, and other glowing gadgets. In a small way, this is how we as Christians are supposed to be, consistent glowing lights of the majesty and truth of Christ.
In Matthew 5, verses 14-16, Christ says:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.[1]
Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, or a lamp on a lampstand can’t help but give light, we are light bearers of Christ. As a light bearer, we don’t just stay stationary hoping people pass by as see the light. No, we are to move about in the darkness of this world doing good works for our Lord and Savior. By living for Christ, the world sees a lifestyle that is visibly different from what is around them and this will have an impact on them. It is through our actions and our attitudes that people will see Christ in us and hopefully will be moved to give glory to our Heavenly Father.
 
Christ’s light not only impacts others, but it also impacts us. If you think of a container that doesn’t have any defects in it, and you place a light inside of it, not much light escapes. However, if you take an imperfect container that has holes and cracks in it and place a light inside of it, the light shines through the holes and cracks. This is the beauty of our wonderful savior; He is most evident in our weaknesses. His light shines through our weaknesses. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.[2]” Just remember as you go forward that you are a light bearer of Jesus, and it is through your good works that people see Christ and glorify our Heavenly Father.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 5:14–16.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Co 12:9.