Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:14-16
I have always loved the illustration that Jesus used concerning hiding the candle under a bushel, basket or a jar. In Luke He refers to placing the light under a bed. “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light” (Luke 8:16). What is the great significance of these two illustrations? Those who hide their light under a bushel are often too busy with the cares and labors of this life for their light to shine effectively. Those who put their light under a bed are so consumed with the pleasures and comforts of this life to let their light shine. I don’t ever want to be so busy or comfortable that I don’t let my light shine for Him!
IV. The Light is Profitable
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our light is not a light of little value. We are to let our light shine that men may see. There is a lost world that would eternally benefit from His light being revealed.
▪ As I meditated on these verses, I felt that the Lord spoke to my heart. I have a tendency to get on my “soap box” about the world looking to secular sources for guidance in their lives. Many look to talk show hosts, horoscopes, palm readers, and psychiatrists for answers to their problems. We can rail on them all we want, but the fact is we as Christians are the ones that have let them down oftentimes. We have the glorious and life-giving gospel of Christ, the Word of God that has the answer for all of life’s problems, and yet we keep it locked away in our stained glass prisons. There is a world that needs to see the light of Christ. His light serves as a guide for lives.
▪ Imagine if you will the chaos at airports at night if there were no runway lights. Or consider the importance of a lighthouse for those on troubled seas, or a Railroad crossing warning of impending danger. This world lives in darkness with no guidance from the Lord; not because the Lord isn’t there for help, but because we don’t always allow His light to shine forth for guidance. His light serves as a warning to those who are lost. There is a world that is lost and dying, headed for hell that needs to be warned of the judgment to come.
▪ His light also brings clarity and reveals truth. There are those who are searching for truth. They are seeking answers to life’s questions. The light of Christ can and does reveal that truth. We have failed to realize what we have been entrusted with. I pray that God will open our eyes to the responsibilities we have and the opportunities we’ve been given. What this world needs is Jesus. We can share Him with many right around us!
V. The Light is Productive
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As men see our light and notice the lives that we live, they are drawn to the Lord. I remember the day that the light shined in my own life. I have never been the same. The light of Christ brought conviction to me as I cried out for salvation. Through ups and downs, mountaintops and valleys, the Light has always been there for guidance and when necessary, correction.
▪ Mankind is in need of many things, but his greatest need is salvation. It is our responsibility to share the love of Christ with those who are lost. When men see their need for the Lord through the light of Christ, they will come to Him in salvation.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
You must be logged in to post a comment.