Let Your Light Shine!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
The church labeled the reading from Matthew 5 as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus used practical advice to show his followers how to live as children of God. As part of the advice, Jesus said ““You are the light of the world.” He also said: “People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. No, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Then our verse begins, “In the same way,” Jesus said.
Jesus is imparting to us and his disciples, an answer to the question, “Do I actually serve a purpose?” Yes, Jesus declares! We are light!
When walking through a dark room, it is easy to stumble. You could trip on an ottoman, especially if someone moved it. How important and helpful light would have been. Jesus tells us our purpose for being light. He has placed us exactly where we are to serve the highest purpose. We serve to glorify our Father in heaven.
One of Satan’s most successful temptations is to get us to think that we don’t make a difference in the world. He also tempts us to think that the only source of happiness is to please ourselves.
When we fall into that temptation, we find that life becomes more frustrating and less satisfying. We need to remember that we are created by God. As his creation we serve his purpose. Jesus made that possible by taking our sins away and restoring us on the candle stand. He encourages us, let your light shine!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the privileged position you have given us. You are the light of the world. You have illuminated us so that we reflect your light. Forgive us Lord for the times we failed in our calling of glorifying our Father. Enable us to see the tremendous purpose you have for us in your kingdom. Amen.