Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world,” stated Jesus during what we often refer to as the Sermon on the Mount. This is the longest recorded message we have that our Savior preached. It was given to the disciples, the followers of Jesus, and reveals much practical application to the lives we live as Christians.
A while back I did a lesson that dealt with the words of Jesus that proclaimed we are the salt of the earth. (Salt of the Earth link). I won’t go into a lot of detail as you can see the lesson for yourself, but salt does have characteristics that react with other elements. Once applied, salt penetrates and permeates; it produces change in the substance to which it is applied. However, light is vastly different than salt, but it too has characteristics that interact with other elements. Just as with salt, it also has the ability to penetrate and permeate the darkness. When light is introduced, darkness has to flee. Darkness and light cannot inhabit the same position. There are times when barriers prevent light from reaching darkness, but once it does, the darkness is gone.
Light is one of the character traits of our Lord. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). The Apostle John tells us in his gospel, “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘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). As believers we know that we are to be like our Lord. If we are to represent Him as we should, then we must show forth His light. In considering our life in Christ Jesus, I want to share some details concerning being, the light of the world.
I. The Light is Personal
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” We have the light within us; we are the channel by which the light is revealed. Every born again believer has a light that needs to shine. Jesus doesn’t reveal that we have potential for light; He declares that we are the light of the world!
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).
For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
▪ Not all, but some of the darkness we face today is a result, in part, of Christians who have failed to let their light shine. Wouldn’t you agree that society is worse morally today than it was twenty years, or even ten years ago? What has happened? In essence, it’s due to failing in letting our light shine and standing for truth! We have an obligation to this world and our Lord to shine for Him.
▪ We all have unique opportunities to shine for Jesus. Each of us is around those who need the light of Christ. It is likely that if your light doesn’t shine then they will have no light.
▪ I can let my light shine, but I can’t let your light shine. Many times we have an effect on each other. When our light grows dim, then others tend to allow theirs to grow dim also. The truth is the church has failed to some extent in providing light to a dark world. There are enough professing Christians to truly make a difference. However, there is an urgent need as never before in our day to be a light for Christ!
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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