Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:14-16
V. The Light is Productive – Continued
▪ You and I have the privilege of being a part in sharing the Good News. If we will only magnify the Lord by letting our lights shine, He will work through us for the good of others and His glory. “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Again, we are the instrument, but when we allow ourselves to be a reflection of Christ’s Light, He draws others to Himself . . . but the Light has to shine forth!
▪ Isn’t there someone you know who needs the Light in their life? Many are searching for peace in their souls and we can help them find what they need by letting our lights shine.
▪ As we let our lights shine for Jesus men will see our good works and glorify the Father. That is an interesting thought. The word works doesn’t emphasize the quality of our works as much as it does their attractiveness, or beautiful appearance. We don’t have to be perfect in everything we do as long as we let the light of Jesus shine forth in our lives. Men will notice and it will have an effect.
▪ I read an illustration a while back that fits our lesson perfect:
A Hindu trader in India once asked a missionary, “What do you put on your face to make it shine?” With surprise the man of God answered, “I don’t put anything on it!” His questioner began to lose patience and said emphatically, “Yes, you do! All of you who believe in Jesus seem to have it. I’ve seen it in the towns of Agra and Surat, and even in the city of Bombay.” Suddenly the Christian understood, and his face glowed even more as he said; “Now I know what you mean, and I will tell you the secret. It’s not something we put on from the outside but something that comes from within. It’s the reflection of the light of God in our hearts.”
I mentioned a lighthouse a bit earlier and I have always loved the song from the seventies, The Lighthouse, sung by The Happy Goodmans and written in 1970 by Ronny Hinson. I myself used to sing it a lot in church in my younger days. I loved the illustration it portrays.
However, the thing I have come to realize over the years is that according to Scripture, we are the lighthouse. As I stated earlier, Jesus is the Light. If the power source, the Holy Spirit, is abiding in us, we have the power to shine forth, or reflect, even magnify, the light of Jesus. We are God’s instrument to be used as He sees fit and He has built us, just like most lighthouses, on solid rock, able to withstand the storms and winds of life. The light that we shine forth does dispel the darkness and it’s not just for our personal benefit as it also helps others to see their way through life’s storms. But . . . only if we choose to let the power within flow forth. The power is there for us as Christians, we just need to be sure we are not covering or hiding the Source.
Again, we are the instrument, the vessel of God’s use, but the power is from the Holy Spirit and the Light is Jesus Christ Himself!
We have the power to make a huge difference in the world around us. Light will always overcome darkness, but it must be shining to make the difference. Is your light shining for Jesus? Can we honestly sing that song that the children know so well: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”?
Do you have that light shining within? If so, it ought to find its way out often so those around you can see the light for themselves. If you don’t possess the light of Christ, He desires to save you and give you His Light!
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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