Matthew 5:14 NLT [14] You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Jesus Christ, while teaching on the Mount referred to us as The Light of the world. He goes on to say that a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. When we see a hill or mountain, it is visible from a distance away. So, a city on a hill is definitely not to be hidden. It cannot be hidden. Now, imagine a city that is on a hill and filled with so much light. I would call this a light house. From Wikipedia; A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of physical structure designed to emit light from a system of lamp and lenses and to serve as a beacon for navigational aid, for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. It guides vessels safely in and out of the harbor and steers them away from dangerous zones. A lighthouse shines and glows even from a distance away, it cannot be hidden. From a distance, it is known that there is a city that illuminates and this light is seen by many, far and wide there’s no denying the light because the illumination, the effect of the light is evident to all. We reflect the light from the Source (God). As such, our behaviour and character would be consistent with The Word and shows who we are and who we are. This is the picture of our lives that Jesus gave with this verse. We are to shine. We are not to cower in fear or doubt or intimidation. We are to shine brightly. With this information, what can we do?
1. Shine bright and give glory to God in all we do. In everything we do, our goal should be to bring glory to God. We produce fruits consistent with our convictions that are rooted in the Word of God. We display the glory of God and we cannot be casual about it. Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT [8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Isaiah 60:1 NLT [1] Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Matthew 5:16 KJV [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. We are to be Godly examples. People should look at our lives and find it worthy of emulation. This should apply to every area of our lives – Spiritual life, Academics, Physical hygiene and outlook, our thought process. Luke 11:36 NLT [36] If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.
3. We are to walk with confidence and Purpose. We know our purpose and we should walk as such. We walk confidently because we know who we are and what we have been called to do. Our purpose is to draw people closer to Christ and give direction. When there’s light, there’s direction. We are people’s first contact with The Bible most times and we must live with that in mind.
4. Influence culture and step into spaces with courage. This light is not restricted to one area of our lives. We are to shine in every area, influence culture for Christ, step into spaces in faith and with courage, take territories for Christ and buy the fields. We should turn the world right side up for Christ and we cannot do this by restricting ourselves. We do this by stepping into spaces with the knowledge that we are bringing light into those spaces.
5. Give hope to the world. You know how there are joyful screams when the light is restored after a period of darkness. When there’s light, it feels like you can take on the world. We have a message of hope to a dying world, a message of restoration that we give the world. Let us get up, shine and take our position as the light of the world!
Itemeh Oghenetega
