You are the light of the world

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

What did Jesus mean about us being a light of the world?

We all have a Christ given mission to go and preach the Good News of God to everyone. Christianity is not a "just for me" religion.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

We live in a secular world and it is therefore incumbent upon us to spread some Christian light wherever and whenever we can. By the way we live, the way we act, and even by the way we use social media and our Blogs. A short article every now and then would go a long way in lighting up a dark and often cynical World Wide Web.

But wait a minute. Jesus also said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

In truth, Jesus is the light of the world not us. We are here to reflect His glory and His teachings. Very much like the moon. It does not by itself generate light; but it reflects the light of the sun.

Do you remember in days of old bicycles had a little red reflector at the back underneath the seat? It did not shine light. But when a car came behind you with its lights on the reflector would glow red and warn the driver of your presence.

Likewise, our reflectors should be bright and clean to shine for all to see. A reflector which becomes dirty with sin is of no use at all at being the light of the world.