Light of the World: 3 Truths About Being the Light of Christ
Imagine grasping the metal doorknob of a heavy wooden door. As you begin to turn it, you notice a portal of pitch black darkness. Taking one step after another, you enter the room. After a few seconds, your eyes adjust; you see nothing. And then…
A brilliant light illuminates what you couldn’t see. It brings revelation to where you are.
Friend, what if I told you, you were that beautiful, radiant light?
3 Truths About Being the Light of Christ
Matthew 5:14-16, in the New King James Version, says,
“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.”
You and I should be shining our light before men. But how do we do that?
Together, let's look at three important truths about our light.
God Calls You His Light
You are God’s special light. In order to fully illuminate this light, you must know your identity—who you are in Christ.
In this passage, Jesus (for the first time) is referencing someone else as light. You know, He got into a lot of trouble with religious leaders when He called Himself the light and resurrection. (But you know what? Jesus knew who He was, so that didn’t matter one bit!)
You, dear one, are His light. You reflect His goodness, faithfulness, and love to those walking in darkness around you. And we can do so because of who we are and what He has called us to do.
How To Walk in the Light?
Being the light of Jesus can feel like a big task. So, how can we confidently step into this charge?
Self-examination.
Have you been walking in your identity, or have you lost your temper with your children? Have you been illuminating His light, or are you partnering with self-pity over a circumstance that didn't go your way?
Are you shining your light, or are you scheming ways to get ahead at work?
Jesus calls you His light, so live up to that! Trust Him with your words, actions, and steps, and live a life that intersects grace and His empowerment.
After all, your mama may have named you, but Jesus calls you His kingdom-light!
God Calls You His Light
Some of us are living our lives intentionally covering our light. We can shine bright, but if we keep allowing darkness to conceal that, it will eventually go out.
Listen, that doesn't mean you are disqualified from being Jesus’ light. He calls you that because He wants to use you as such.
(Isn’t it incredible that we serve a God of second and third and infinity chances?)
Friend, it doesn't matter if you have struggled with an alcohol addiction—He can still use you! Do you struggle with food and your weight? Shine on!
Have you had an abortion? You are still (and always have been) His precious light.
Transformation is a beautiful process and is one that requires us to follow Him. When we know who we are and whose we are, we can leave shame at the door. And this dear one allows us to fully illuminate those in our spheres of influence!
Lights Out
When my son, John, and daughter, Natalie, were little, they had a playroom off the kitchen. (How many mamas know why this was the most sensible location?) One evening, they were contentedly playing while I was cooking dinner. They were laughing and having a wonderful time when all of a sudden, the lights went out.
As you can imagine, laughter turned into screaming, and panic soon set in. Trying to make my way to them, I remembered the flashlight I stored in one of the drawers in my kitchen. I turned it on and shined it in their direction while staying put. Instantly, they began walking toward the light, and their terror turned into joy.
People need your light, and God uses it so that others can see how far you’ve come. Ultimately, this creates an opportunity for others to look to Him, giving Him all the glory, and declaring, “God, if You can do it for her, surely You can do it for me!”
Stay where you are. You don’t need fancy stages or special presence—just shine your light.
God Uses Your Light
In Matthew 5, Jesus uses the analogy of a lamp on a lampstand. So why is this so important?
Well, if a light were on the floor, you wouldn't be able to see it too well. The same goes for if I were standing in front of a light. The best place to place that light is on a lampstand where it has optimum views.
Did you know God gives each one of His children a platform?
Your platform may be your job or your children. It may be your marriage, especially within the trials and struggles you face each and every day. Unfortunately, many of us are too busy staring at others’ lights and platforms to truly understand that what we are going through can cause our lights to shine brighter than we ever could imagine!
My sister (really, my daughter is married to her son, but I consider her my family) went through cancer treatments a few years ago. As she was embarking on this season of life, no one had any idea except a few close few she called on for prayer. This serious diagnosis was her platform, and it was through this experience that God’s light of faith and resilience shone brightest. Not only did God bless her during this time, but He also touched the lives of those treating her, those she suffered along with, and everyone else watching from the outside.
What are you going through? Whatever it is, that’s your platform!
So dear one, the next time you struggle to shine your light before men, remember your identity, remember to shine, and embrace your hardship. Someone is watching and waiting for light in the darkness.
Father, thank You for this incredible honor to be a bearer of Your light. Help us to remember who we are and who You have called us to be. Let Your perfect light shine through our personalities, our experiences, and our surrender to Your will. Give us Your grace and mercy for every interaction we encounter in our day-to-day. Continue to illuminate the path closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.