You are the light of the world

In the book of Matthew chapter 5 we read this passage: 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

One of the most Googled questions is “Why am I here?” followed closely by “What is my purpose?” These two questions have plagued mankind for generations. In our hearts, we know there is more to our lives than just going through our day and then repeating the process.

Something inside us yearns for something greater. This desire is a God-placed desire to accomplish HIS will in our lives. Jesus was alluding to this as he was teaching his disciples in the passage above.

He started this passage by explaining that they had purpose. You are the light of the world.

When you have accepted Jesus Christ, you become a light in a dark place. Often, we get the idea that God is supposed to somehow bend to our will instead of us submitting to his.

That fight is what leads many to frustration and abandonment of faith. But our light is to the world around us. A light cannot be hidden.

Even this is difficult for some people. We cannot treat our relationship with God like a flashlight that we can turn on and off when we feel the time is right. We must continually be burning bright for all to see, not just when it is convenient.

The last portion of this Scripture is also an area where we get confused.

Let your light so shine before people that they see your good works and give glory to God. Good works, most any Christian has heard that good works cannot earn you a spot in heaven. That is correct.

No amount of good works can earn salvation, however a person who is being a light to the world around them will be continually practicing good works because it shows the nature of God.

God is not out to get you, as some would have you believe. He is not some cosmic killjoy that doesn’t want you to have any fun. He is a loving father who knows exactly what you need and wants to give that to you.

When we do good works, we show others the nature of God. Those works some call blessing people.

Maybe it is a task or chore, possibly finances or just the gift of presence, but we show the nature of God to those that we are around.

We do not seek credit for ourselves, but rather direct others to him by our actions so that thank God for the blessing that was given to them.

God chooses to use his children to spread his word and show his love. Although this seems foreign to many, it should be routine in the lives of those who call themselves children of God. You are the light of the world now go shine bright for everyone to see.