“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Last night, my family and I were shooting off our yearly rounds of fireworks in my backyard, part of my family was watching from across the street while the others helped me in our display. A family that was visiting from out of town was looking around for fireworks, saw what we were doing, and asked if they could join us in our celebration. Light can't be hidden for long, and is meant to be shared with others! Light is important. It gives us the ability to see, certain light waves hold all things together, it is everywhere all at once, and helps us see the closest objects to us, or the furthest star in the night sky. Without light, we'd be, if you'll pardon the pun, lost in darkness. Consider for a minute that John calls Jesus the "true light which gives light to everyone" (John 1:9), and in turn, Jesus calls His followers the light of the world. Being such a light is meant to be passed on, Jesus passed it on to us, and so we must pass it on to others! You can't hide light for very long!
Are you trying to hide your light? Jesus said that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. At times, when we're trying to hide our hope and salvation (essentially masking our identity in Christ), we're putting the Light of Christ which dwells in us under a basket. We're supposed to be a beacon in the darkness! Yes, some will hate us. People will work against us, they may even try and hit us where it hurts, whether physically, at a job, or wherever else. They did the same to Jesus! He didn't hide His light, and even when they tried to extinguish Him, He showed even brighter, and still shines on to this day. Light is meant to be shared! Jesus shared His light, and so we, who are called by His name ought to do as He did. Be the light! Shine in the Darkness! It is for this reason He called you: that you may call others, and we can always be with Him forever!
Comments