As Jesus taught, He told his listeners to let your light shine. Matthew 5: 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [1]
His listeners would have understood Jesus’ analogy. In that day, people built cities on hills, and these could be seen for miles. Lamp oil was expensive, and no one would waste the light they gave off by putting a basket over them. Jesus goes on to explain that the light He was referring to was their good deeds. A disciple who did not live a Godly lifestyle was as useless as a light under a basket.
Israel’s Light
God placed the nation of Israel at the crossroads of the known world to demonstrate who He was to the rest of the world. Psalm 96: 3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 4 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. 5 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! [2]
But they failed to do this. The prophets were aware of this failure and prophesied the solution to it. God spoke of a coming one who would be the light. Isaiah 42:6b I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. [3]
It would take a remnant of one, Jesus, to be the light to the world. John 8: 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”[4]
Jesus’ Followers are to be the Light
Our good works are not to bring honor to ourselves but honor to God. We need to guard our motives. If we are doing something to bring praise to ourselves, it is the wrong motive. We are to consider the effects of our actions on the spread of the Gospel.
1 Peter 2: 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.[5]
When you let your light shine, you will influence the world around you in tangible ways. This demonstrates that our discipleship is not a private matter between an individual and God. Walking the talk of faith results in actions others can’t help but see. We are to be influential for God’s Kingdom, even though the world will oppose us. Go be the light that points to Jesus.
To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-be-salt-and-light
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.