“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 ESV
Are we being the light of our world?? That’s an interesting question. We aren’t asked if we want to be the light of the world, we aren’t given the option to be the light of the world just on Sundays. Rather, we are told here, we ARE the light of the world.
So what does light look like? Well, it illuminates, it comes from an energy source, it’s bright, it completely overwhelms darkness – it is impossible for light to even have a shadow. It can cast shadows but never have one itself. Light brings life, it brings energy, healing, safety. The list is almost exhaustive! I think tho, it can be broken down into three main concepts. 1. Energy and warmth. 2. It Illuminates – there is no darkness in it. 3. Life.
1: Energy and Warmth. Can people see we are not living in our own strength? Light (& warmth) are the by products of energy. If we are to be the light, we can not rely on our own strength, rather we have to rely on the everlasting source of energy ~ God.
2: Illuminates. Light always illuminates what ever is around it. It is impossible to hide in the light. This includes both the good and the bad aspects of life. The bible says in the end, everything will be brought into the light and repaid accordingly. Are we shinning that light into others lives? Can people see the world and their own lives better because of the time they have spent with us? Have we pointed them back to Jesus the ultimate source of light?
3: Life. Light brings life. There are very few things that can grow in the dark. Even bats fly in the light of the moon. The light bring photosynthesis, which feeds plants and therefore provides food for the rest of the ecosystem. Without the sun, the earth would drop on 0° F and most plants would die off within the week. How crazy is that!? It also brings life in other ways, how happy do you feel after some time spend in (moderate) sun? The vitamins we get from being exposed to sunlight are vital for good health. We even say someone has a ‘healthy glow’ when they have a tan. Light also comes by fire which also brings life with it. Fire provides warmth, food, and protection. When we can see what we are up against it immediately seems less threatening. Bad things often happen in the dark too, because the dark hides evil where in the light, safety can be found because it exposes everything it comes across.
Are we being life in people’s lives? Do we bring healing wherever we go? Do we speak light and life into situations which without Christ would be dark and horrible? Are we encouraging people to grow towards the light, never competing in our perseverance to the light of life? You see, light is something which can be shared because as long as you have a energy source, you have a never ending source of light. It isn’t something you can grasp or horde. It just is.
Do we live like the light of the world, or are we dim it even unlit lights? That is a question we should ask ourselves every day, because we are purposed by God to be the light of the world. May we live up to our calling in God’s strength!
♡
Musings by Tee 