THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Have you ever been in a pitch-dark room, and all of a sudden, someone flashes a light?
Although that small light doesn’t completely remove the darkness, it makes a huge difference. Suddenly, you can see what’s inside the room. You can see where you’re going, and you can move around more freely.
That’s what light does.
Isn’t it interesting that one of the first things God said in the book of Genesis was, “Let there be light”? God knows the importance of light. Then, God separated the light from the darkness. Light and darkness were never designed to mix. We see this principle again in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which asks, “What fellowship can light have with darkness?” This week, we are focusing on light.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Think about what that means. Isaiah 60:2 describes darkness covering the earth, but as believers, we walk with Jesus Christ, who declares in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus goes on to say that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Because we walk with Christ, our perspective changes. We have direction. We have a mission. We have a purpose. And that purpose includes a simple instruction:
Let your light shine!
But what does it actually mean to shine your light?
Shining your light means standing out amongst the people around you, not simply for the sake of being different, but because your life reflects Christ. It means carrying the presence and character of God into every room you step into. It means displaying the fruit of the Spirit. It means forgiving when forgiveness is difficult. It means loving when someone is difficult to love. It means caring when everyone else walks past. It means praying for your enemies instead of seeking revenge. It means choosing to live as Christ lived. John 1:4–5 says: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” The darkness cannot overcome the light.
No matter how dark the situation looks, you are called to shine. At school. At home. Around your friends. Online. When people are watching. And when nobody is watching. You are called to stand out. You are called to let your light shine brighter and brighter. And remember: shining your light isn't only about what you say. Your actions should speak too. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” People should be able to look at the way you live, the way you love, the way you forgive, the way you treat others and the choices you make, and see something different. Let them see Christ through you. So, wherever you go this week, remember: You are the light of the world. Don’t hide your light. Let it shine. And the Almighty God will lead you as you shine brighter. God bless you.
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