Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”[1]
In the context of the period when Jesus lived on earth, there was no electricity. Night time would be very dark unless the moon was shining and/or you had a light. And light here refers to fire-based light, such as a candle or a torch. Aside from a huge bonfire, light in those days were not hugely bright nor far-reaching like modern lights, again we are talking about fire-based “technology”. And yet, even one candle can make a difference in the darkness. Light in the darkness always has an impact. It makes something that is unseen, visible.
Light does not tolerate darkness and by its very presence, light drives away darkness. And the only way for darkness to prevail is when there is not enough light. This works both ways, internally in our spirit and externally in our relationships. Internally, we need to keep the light burning in our spirit in order to keep the darkness of the world from creeping in and overcoming the light that is in us.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”[2]
Externally, Jesus calls us to be the light that is visible like the city on a hill, instead of a light that is put under a basket. He calls us to shed light on darkness where we are. God’s word is light and we are called to be “light”, so we need to be consistent with God’s word, if we are to be “light”. People “see” whether we are the light or not through our words and actions. Are our words and actions perceived as darkness or light? When we enter a room, do others perceive negativity or do they perceive that we “light up” the room? Light brings about positive impact. Do we?
And light needs an energy source. When the energy source (e.g. fuel) runs out, the light will dim and die down. We need to refuel or recharge our light source through the Word of God and fellowship with other followers of Jesus. We cannot go without refueling indefinitely, because eventually our faith will run out. We need to connect to the Word and to other followers of Jesus.
First, know the Word.
Second, be consistent with the Word.
Consequently, we will light up the world.
[1]: Matthew 5:14-16, WEB [2]: Psalm 119: 105 WEB
- The Top Four Reasons Not to Tithe - September 12, 2015
- Of Riches and Desires for Other Things - August 16, 2015
- Who Is Following Whom? - July 18, 2015
