Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Jesus taught the Apostles that they are the light of the world, that is, not in the literal sense of being a light, but in the sense of spiritual, a light that gives light in the darkness of this world.
How will they do that?
Jesus came to this world as the true light that gives light to every man. Joh 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. In the succeeding verse, we notice that He was not known as the true light of this world.
If Jesus Christ is the true light and from Him comes the light, every one who believes in Him will be given the light, that is, the Words of God, the true light that gives light to the path of every one of us. Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Those who believed and accepted Him, were given the right to become sons and daughters of the Father, Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
So how do we know that God is with us?
How do we know that we have been given the light?
How do we know that we are acting as the light of the world?
It is easy to say that we are God’s sons and daughters, and that we are the light of the world.
But being the light of this world must be manifested. It must never be hidden, because a light can never be hidden, especially in darkness, it will always glow.
Apostle John said, God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we are saying that we have fellowship in Him, that is, we are claiming that we are His sons and daughters, and we are the light of the world but walk in darkness, we lie and the truth is not with us. (1 John 1: 5-6)
Being the light means showing that we have the truth (words of God), that we are walking in truth, that we are sharing this truth, that we are claiming this truth will set every one free from the bondage of spiritual slavery, that we are claiming this truth will grant us salvation and this truth will lead us to the everlasting life promised by God.
How will we show it?
How important that we become the bearers of light of this world?
Christians have been chosen and were called to be bearers of the light of this world. Jesus Christ left us examples on how to be the light of this world. These examples that He left us are guides for us to follow. 1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
This is to show that we have the responsibility to be the light bearer of this world, to give light and inspirations to all people, especially to those who have no knowledge about the truth of the Words of God. And we all do this for the glory of God, our Father - Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The question is, how can we be a good light bearer?
Having received the Words of God doesn’t mean we are already a bearer of the light.
Receiving the words is only a part of it. Having faith on the Words is another thing, which is a must for being a light bearer. Living by the Words of God is the ultimate manifestation of being a good light bearer.
How do we know that we are living by the Words of God?
First, we have to examine ourselves. Before we can give light to others, there must be an overflowing streams of light inside our heart and soul. It is awkward to give corrections if in ourselves there are many things to be corrected. We must totally clean and purify ourselves first and be a good example to others just like Jesus Christ did. Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
The power and capacity to bear the light of the world (Words of God) were given to the children of God. Once given, the children of God now has the duty and responsibility to make this light glow upon all people of this world.
In what ways?
Is sharing the Gospel and the Words of God enough?
Preaching and propagation of God’s Words are examples of giving light to this world. There are many ways we can show how we can be bearer of the light of this world.
One way is to imitate Christ’s example.
Apostle Paul discusses how Jesus left us an example of being the ultimate bearer of the light of this world. He manifested Himself in the form of a flesh, made Himself like us, and showed His complete humility to follow His Mission. One of His missions is to show humility and teach it to every one.
You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2: 5-8 NIV)
Remember when Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples?
He is not only teaching us a ritual to follow, but the essence of that ritual, that is, leading by example. Washing of feet that time is only a servant’s job. But Jesus, being the Master Himself, did not treat Himself as the Master, but showed humility to His servants and washed their feet.
Christians are called for this humility.
If we can not show humility to others, then we are not worthy to be called Christians or followers of Christ.
In front of God, it is important that we show our humility. When we commit sin, we don’t hide it, we don’t make excuses, we are not happy to do it, we are repentant of it and we ask God humbly for His forgiveness.
In what other ways we can show our light to others?
God is a parent to us. He wanted a good relationship with His children just like us to our own children. He has given everything we need in all aspects of our lives to prove His never ending love.
As a parent to our children, it is also our duty to guide them and provide them everything they need to be a better person in all aspects of life. This is also our way of showing how much we love them.
We do everything for our children.
Is that so?
Many parents confess they provide everything for their children.
Well, not quite.
Many left the most important thing that their children should have, a spiritual life. As a Christian parent, it is our duty to raise our children to become a better Christian someday.
But how do we do that?
The Bible teaches us to teach our children the law of God while they are young, so that when they grow old, they will not depart from it. Psychologically, this is true. The subconscious mind of a child, when educated or equipped with a good belief is powerful enough to become his habit and character. Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Teach a child to become bad and he will become a bad person someday.
Teach a child to become good and he will become good person someday.
Teach a child the law of God and he will never depart from the law of God.
Teach a child to be the light of the world and he will glow like us in the darkness of this world.
Our children need to be directed on the path towards the eternal life. Without our spiritual guidance, like us, we can never be there. This is the most important thing we can give them. A life taught by the commandment, by the law of God, which gives instructions on how to live our lives. Pro 6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. Pro 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Teach our children, teach ourselves and teach others to be the light of this world.
Little light if put together will create huge light. A light that will give light to other people too. A light that can give glow and inspiration and life.
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