Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
In Matthew 5:14 Jesus said that we are the light of the world — present tense, a matter of fact … it’s who we are as children of God. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases God” (Eph. 5:8-10).
In taking a stand and living for Him in this world with all its liberal and immoral agendas, the goal is not to make ourselves the issue or debate one’s point of view, but to point them to the True Light by reflecting Him in all we do … His goodness, righteousness, and truth.
What Happens When We Don’t Live Like We’re the Light of the World
Light has many benefits but when we put a bowl or basket over the light, it loses its effect. We cover the light when . . .
* we are ashamed or too cowardly to speak up for Him (Light boldly penetrates into the darkness.)
* we feel the need to be politically correct or tolerant rather than reflect Him (Light stands in stark contrast to the darkness.)
* we fail to acknowledge sin in our own lives and in the world around us (Light exposes darkness.)
* we present truth without grace (Light has a warming effect, not just one of piercing the darkness.)
Being a light in a dark world is not always easy. We will not always be understood or accepted but don’t lose heart. Jesus, the True Light of the World, was not recognized for who He was and what He had to offer the world (Jn. 1:4-10). He ultimately was put to death on a cross but “for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition, so you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:2-3).
Dear Pastor, Brother & Sister in Christ, Greetings to you in Jesus’ name! I am Bashir from India! God has asked me to reach out especially to the Muslims with The Gospel of Christ and plant Churches among them. God is using me for His own glory among the Muslims. I am seeking more prayers of God’s saints around the world. My daughter Noorie’s life is in danger. Therefore, I am in great need of your kind prayers & intercessions for her life. I am very sad to share with you that she has developed friendship with my former care taker of the Church building who is a liar, cheater, unfaithful and morally corrupted boy. God’s Spirit led me to find you through Google search so that you could pray & intercede with my prayer request. Please pray that God’s Spirit will convict Noorie’s heart and she will break this unholy & inappropriate friendship for His own glory. Please pray that Noorie will give priority to Jesus in her life and LOVE TO HIM BY OBEYING HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Hello, Bashir. We would be glad to take time to pray for the ministry God has given you as well Him working in your daughter’s heart. May God draw her and your former caretaker to Himself. May His light shine for all to see!