“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NKJV)
Jesus Christ was the Master Teacher in every way! When it came to clarity and clear communication … even the little children could understand a great deal of what He taught.
The fact is … when Jesus spoke … people listened! And we find Jesus teaching on a hillside what has come to be known as the Sermon on the Mount … and it was truly a masterpiece.
And what He taught on this particular day … was nothing short of a divine character sketch of what a follower of Jesus would need to look like!
The character aspect of one who is a follower of Christ is such that just as the sun, moon, and stars shine in an otherwise dark sky … we have the honor, privilege, and responsibility to show who we are … the “people of God” living in a very dark culture!
The final beatitude is significant from this perspective that we all would be wise to take note of. Found in verses 11 and 12 is a very clear description of the attitude of the world toward those who were to choose to follow Jesus Christ.
The two metaphors, “salt and light” appear next to describe just the opposite scene … of just how those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ … can have an influence on the world!
The Lord never promised the “narrow road” would be easy to travel … and the fact is … it’s probably not going to get any easier! But we know the reward at the end of the journey will be worth whatever we have endured for the cause of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
The Apostle John begins the Gospel of John with some amazing and beautiful terminology that includes this truth: That Jesus Christ is “the Light.” John’s inspired words make it crystal clear that “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
And then he adds, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5)
Later in this same Gospel, the Apostle would write the words spoken by Jesus Himself, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
And so, the child of God understands with the deepest sense of humility and gratitude … we are not lights in and of ourselves, but lights “in the Lord” … the One, true and original “light of the world.”
What we could never accomplish by any stretch of the imagination on our own we can by becoming the person who can share a circle of radiance around our family … our neighbors … our co-workers … and every person we chance to meet or be in the presence of!
Is that not an amazing privilege, and where better to start than with one’s own family! Yes, we are to be distinct … different … because as we develop and mature in the Lord the greater becomes our vision to see that the “harvest is plenteous and the laborers are few!”
Having light is evidence that Jesus Christ is part of our life. Virtues such as faith, hope, love, patience, kindness, and humility are shown!
Outwardly the traits of respect, dependability, dedication, modesty, obedience, and reverence for God and His will become distinctive!
It is always easier to find what we are looking for when the light is on. Doctrinally it is as simple as this: The closer we are to the light, the more we can see. The farther we step away from the light, the less we can see. And we need to be able to see clearly. (Psalm 119:105)
Philippians 2:15 reads, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Let’s all be even more diligent in reflecting the light of Jesus with radiance, a sense of care, love, and compassion for others that is clearly visible to the world, but most importantly to the Lord.
Let your light shine wherever you are!
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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