“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14 (AMP)
In the beginning, before God created everything that made up the Universe, there was darkness upon the face of the deep whilst the Spirit of God hovered. The first Agent of Transformation which brought a start to the work of creation was LIGHT. No matter how brilliant and beautiful God’s ideas of creation were, without light, it wouldn’t have made much impact.
In a world where the systems operate in the realms of darkness, Christ called His Disciples ‘THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD’. Christ specifically chose His use of words as He named those who believe in Him with respect to their nature and function as His Disciples. Everyone who follows Christ must know that he is the light of the world and must live as one.
You cannot be a Christian and hide who you are, that is going to be an aberration. Unfortunately, many Christians hide who they are, not because of persecution but because they love to compromise and live in the grey, being neither darkness nor light, which is not ideal for true disciples. You need to remind yourself of who you are. You are a city set on a hill which cannot be hid.
Being one who knows God, you are saddled with the responsibility of showing the way to others as well, and this answers the question in your heart about how you can shine as light. Consider Jesus’ analogy in verse 15 – “Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” The function of light is to show the way to those who are entering the house. Many people want to come into the saving knowledge of Christ, but they need you to show them the way in. However, when you hide your light, it becomes impossible for them to enter.
Christ now gives a direct command to you, O Believer. He said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” You must have a crystal clear character which produces an effect of exaltation to God amidst those you live in. You must walk in the Spirit, thereby producing His fruit, which makes you an outstanding representative of Christ.
Dear Believer, in a world of compromise and darkness, be the light which stands out and shines brightly. The world is in need of Christians who will deliberately shine in every sphere of influence without fear and compromise. You cannot afford to lose your impact and influence in the world. Ask yourself this – ‘Do you still shine as you ought to or you have chosen the path of compromise despite that you profess to be a Christian?’ Have a deep thought about this, and if there is the need to change, do so. Blessings.
Practical Application: Make an account of noticeable characters in you that hinder you from shining bright as light. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you forsake them and be prepared to yield to His workings.
Confession: I am who Christ says I am. I am the light of the world. I do not walk in darkness. My light shines without hindrance and I positively impact the world around me. I do not compromise my faith and stand IN God.
Related Scriptures: Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 8:16-17
Bible Reading: Luke 8
