“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14–16
We are to let the light of Jesus within us shine forth! That light needs to shine first for our own households and then for whatever world is around us. We are to be both illustrious and conspicuous; signs and symbols from God to the lost and perishing. The treasure within us should light up our countenance; we are to be known as a light-radiating people. Jesus came as the light of the world so that those who would believe in Him would never walk in darkness, but have the light of life. His light within us gives direction to others—pointing them to Jesus.
We must endeavor to walk as wise not as foolish people because those around us are watching. It is important how we live our lives! Sadly, many Christians live no differently than the unbelievers Jesus desires for us to reach. If the Lord Jesus makes no difference in our lives, why would anyone else be interested? Are we a reflection of God’s goodness and mercy and humility and kindness and gentleness and patience? Are we drawing others to Him or repelling them by our words and deeds? The candle lit by the Lord Jesus should never be hidden but should shine forth to all those around us. We must be shining lights in the way we live, not muffling the message with obscurity and privacy. Paul tells us:
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Peter adds:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9
And John wrote: “The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.” —1 John 2:6
It is for our Father’s glory and for our good that we let our light shine, showing ourselves to be the Lord Jesus’ disciples. Jesus says in our verses for today that our deeds must be evident so that those who observe us will praise our Father in heaven. God’s glory is what we aim for in all that we say or do.
Become More
“Though salvation is not by the works of the law, yet the blessings which are promised to obedience are not denied to the faithful servants of God. The curses our Lord took away when He was made a curse for us, but no clause of blessing has been abrogated. We are to note and listen to the revealed will of the Lord, giving our attention not to portions of it but to ‘all these words.’ There must be no picking and choosing but an impartial respect to all that God has commanded. This is the road of blessedness for the Father and for His children. The Lord’s blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation. If they walk uprightly before Him, He will make all men know that they are a seed which the Lord has blessed.” —Charles H. Spurgeon
Further Reflections
“Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12
“Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. —John 14:6
“To be like Christ. That is our goal, plain and simple.” —Charles Swindoll