Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let you light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This passage in scripture is incredibly powerful. Matthew chapters 5-7 are perfectly titled, “The Sermon on the Mount.” This for obvious reasons was because Jesus gathered with his disciples on a mountain and taught them deep and meaningful truths.
When you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your personal savior, you are given the power of the Holy Spirit. You then become as Jesus says, “the light of the world.” Anytime someone looks at you, they should see the radiance of Christ. Psalm 119:105 further emphasize the words of Christ are a lamp for our feet and light for our path.
Have you ever been at home when a storm hit and you lost power? The darkness can bring about fear and most definitely disarray. Without any light you could easily lose your point of reference. But, consider what happens when you turn on a flashlight or light a candle in the dark. The entire room is illuminated. The vast depth of darkness dwindles and one seemingly small speck of light is enough to bring clarity to orient you. Consider how the darkness represents all of the lost people on this populous planet. The enemy has shielded their eyes and has forced them to live in darkness, yet as you encounter these lost souls, the brilliance you possess because of Christ removes the covering of their gaze and immediately they see the beautiful light of Jesus. They desire to experience the warmth and guidance of the light you have because of the vision it brings to their dark world.
Jesus has given you light for this purpose, to be seen. Often it can be tough to follow Christ in a world that does not understand or accept what you stand for because they do not accept Jesus. Regardless of what others think, you still hold the light. Proudly let its beam pierce through you. You have been elevated such as a city on a hill at night that is seen from afar. In the same way, do not shelter your light. Remember, Jesus was not always accepted, but in His obedience, He was rewarded. You will be rewarded with your willingness to follow Him even when people want to stay hidden in the dark or others claim they do not need your light. Jesus gave you His light to shine, so live boldly with your light burning bright.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
JOHN 15:18