Light to the World—Matthew 5:14-16
“Live in expectancy of His return.”
Have you ever tried to solve the right problem with the wrong solution? We sometimes do that as Christians. Imagine the foolishness of someone entering a darkened room and screaming at the top of his lungs for the darkness to leave. But the room remains dark. Then he takes a shovel and swings at the darkness with all his might. But the room remains dark. Then he kicks and punches blindly at the darkness in an effort to eliminate it. But the room remains dark. Then he gives his best philosophical argument as to why the darkness should leave. Still the room remains dark. Why do none of his methods work? Because there is only one cure for darkness – to turn on the light!
Often Christian ministries focus on efforts to reform people – to produce a change in their behavior. But God tells us in the often-quoted verse on revival in II Chronicles 7:14 that His people (Christians) which are called by His Name must turn from their wicked ways. Did you get that? God doesn’t ask us to focus on kicking the darkness out of others or to argue with them philosophically. Instead He asks us to repent of OUR wicked ways so we can be the light of the world that He created us to be.
Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount tells His disciples that they are the light of the world. If we fulfill this role, we are like the city shining on the hill that cannot be hidden even in the darkest of nights. We must not allow the bushel basket of our sins to cover our light and diminish our influence. Instead we are to confess our sins so that God will cleanse us of them (I John 1:9). Then our light is plainly visible – like the candle on the candlestick that gives light to all that are in the house. Educated philosophical arguments, billboards, picket signs, or threats against those who do evil seldom accomplish the will and purpose of God. But let the world see a Christian with a joyful and peaceful countenance and with a life filled with good works and it will take notice. That individual will make a difference. Will you be that Christian?
How do you let your light so shine?
Develop bright eyes . Psalm 19:8 says, ” The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes .” Memorize and meditate on God’s Word – people will notice the change in your countenance. (
Look for Jesus’ coming. Live in expectancy of his return . Paul tells the Philippians ” Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand ” (Philippians 4:5). The Greek word for “moderation” can mean “peaceful countenance.” “At hand” means “is coming.” We should have a peaceful countenance because Jesus is returning again! (3) Do good unto all men (Galatians 6:10). How do you do that? By serving those who are in authority over men. Find ways to serve your elected leaders, your pastor, and your boss so that they get the credit and God gets the glory. Then your light will so shine before men that others will see it and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Author: Robert W. Rohlin
This page first appeared September 13, 1998 in the Advancer , a Sunday school teacher’s guide published by the Baptist Publishing House . It is gratefully reprinted here with permission from the publisher.