Being the Light
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We are called to be the light in this world, but what does that look like? And how can we do this when the darkness is all around? The light of the world is Jesus Christ, and if we believe in Him we not only see the light, but we can also know it very well. John 8:12 says, ” 2 Again 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.” If we see and know the light then, in contrast, we can see and know darkness.
We live in a world that is consumed by darkness and at times it can be displayed through the actions of people. These actions can hurt and confuse us, but they cannot overpower us! We see in John 1:5 that darkness can not overpower true light; ” 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.” We as believers, have the light of the world living within us, and that is how we can rise above the pains of this world and not be overcome, nor consumed by the surrounding dark.
We have all witnessed how malicious the darkness within another person can be, and it brings such great sadness to the point of broken hearts. I ask myself, “why would anyone purposefully bring that kind of hurt?” The truth is, we are not just surrounded by the darkness, but it can reside within us as well. The darkness within can infect our hearts, causing them to harden and grow numb. A hard heart is one that is consumed by selfishness and pride, a condition we must guard from. We find this wisdom in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” So, when we become a recipient of another person’s intentional actions, motivated out of that hardness within their heart, we must not react. Instead we should seek God for His guidance and healing.
However, there are times that we can unintentionally hurt another person out of our own misguided and unwise choices. This is why we need to seek guidance from the Lord on how to walk and live. Ephesians 5:15, ” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” Wisdom comes from God and when we go to Him and ask for that wisdom He so generously gives it to us ( James 1:5). Wisdom brings us into an agreement with truth and we know that Jesus is that Truth.
John 14:6 says, ” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and we can also add “the light of the world! If we abide in Him and His truth, then we can reflect light through our own lives. It is possible to live this life intentionally spreading goodness, sharing love, and being light in darkness. This is how we can positively affect the world around us, instead of constantly being affected by the dark parts of the world that want to consume us.
Matthew 6:33 says, “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We should be living above this world in the light of eternity and looking to God, in His words, for guidance on how to be. Intentional living is walking by the Spirit and not giving in to the flesh(Galatians 5:16). Walking in the truth and being the light in this world is impossible apart from Christ. But in Him, and through Him, everything is possible (Philippians 4:13). It is time for the Light of the world to shine through us, so live with purpose and intentionally work to be the light that brings Glory to our Great God!
