“A city set on the hill cannot be hidden.”(Matthew 5:14). As Children of God, God expects us to be light of and to the world. English dictionaries express Illumination as an act of being illuminated, supplying with light, Enlightening influence, Inspiration. Biblically, Illumination symbolizes God’s word – your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Jesus expresses himself as the light of the world in John 8:12. Illumination as a word is a process, a process that casts out darkness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect HIS light in this world, rightly dividing the word of truth to those around us. “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). We are to display our faith through our good works, being a positive influence on others and bringing glory to God through our actions.
Being a light is a call to service. By letting our light shine, we can make a meaningful impact on those around us and bring honour to our Heavenly Father! That is our reasonable service which is holy and acceptable unto the Lord.
Another way is by Living a life worthy of emulation. “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2). This verse encourages us to resist the influence of worldly values and beliefs but allow God to transform us through spiritual renewal. By not conforming to the world, we can live a life that truly reflects our identity in Christ!
But what happens when we derail from this CALL. “We are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:12-13). Living a life out of God’s plan is living in darkness.
If we must live the “bright future ” we dream of, we must Live to walk in Christ. A life outside Christ will lose relevance, how shall it then be made relevant again?
By retracing our steps to the cross. If not, life will be good for nothing but to be trampled under people’s feet.
Atoyebi Ola Israel
