“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV)
I’ve heard numerous people suggest that they will go to Heaven because they are good people, or because they do good deeds for others. At times, I’ve even heard those same people quote today’s Scripture to support their theory. Ephesians 2:8-9 and John 14:6 convey a different message, so I thought it wise to look at them from the start.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV), says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
John 14:6 (NIV) says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
While our eternal Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, and cannot be attained through our good works, Jesus did leave us with the instruction from today’s Scripture – to be the light of the world.
What does it mean to be the light of the world?
In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” I’ve lived in darkness, but now I know the source of light in my life…Jesus Christ. I am drawn to the light that He gives, and it is my desire to shine His light into the darkness of this world.
Have you ever met someone and thought to yourself, “I want what they have.”
A little while ago, someone expressed that desire to me. She saw something in me that she wanted. In further conversation, she elaborated that she was referring to my peace, my hope, my confidence in God’s love, and my awareness that He is always with me. She was seeing Jesus’ light shining through me, which is made possible because of the presence of His Holy Spirit in me. That isn’t something that I could ever take credit for, instead, it’s a gift that He has given to me.
Throughout some trials that I have endured over recent years, I have experienced an awareness of God’s love that has completely transformed my life. It’s not just something I know in my mind, instead, it is a knowledge that I take with me every day. I haven’t just been taught about God’s love – I have experienced it firsthand. God IS love and His way is love, so that is the light that I have to share with others. I don’t want to keep it to myself, instead, I want everyone to have the same experience with God’s love that I have had.
This world is filled with darkness, but when we are followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness. Jesus came to earth to show God’s love to humanity. Jesus is in Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. So, as His followers, it is our responsibility to reveal His light and His love, to others.
Jesus is the source of light in the midst of the world’s darkness. So, it’s important that we become conductors of that light to the people we meet.
Christ’s love within us should motivate us to do good deeds, not for a “pat on the back” from people, but so that people will see Christ’s love in us and give Him the glory for our actions.
When we let our lights shine before others, through the words we speak and our actions, we can become reflectors of Christ’s light shining through us. When that happens, people will be able to see Him, through us.
Do you live in an awareness of God’s love for you? Does that awareness outshine the darkness in your life? Are you shining that light for others to see Jesus in you?
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing Your awesome love for humanity through Your Son, Jesus. Please help me to be a better conductor of Jesus’ light and His love in this world. May I be inspired to do good for my fellow human being, and quick to give glory to You for it. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
