You Are Light
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world...”
When we accepted Jesus into our lives a significant change happened. We ceased to be dead and came alive, we stopped living in darkness and stepped into the light. More than stepping into the light, the Bible teaches us that we are the light of the world. We have now become part of God’s plan to see the rest of humanity be restored into eternal life and lead into the light.
It can be easy to look around in this post-Christian society and lose a little of our hope or stamina for sharing the Gospel with others. At times we can see so much darkness it’s hard to see where the light can even shine or how it will be bright enough to make a difference. However, John 1:5 reminds us that ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. Where there is a darkness and light battle, light will always win - that’s a scientific as well as spiritual truth!
What I love about this passage, is that it’s an identity statement, not a command to ‘do more’. Of course, as Christians, there are times it’s important to do ‘good works’ for the sake of sharing the gospel and justice. However, this passage is a reminder that being the light of the world is an intrinsic part of who you are as a follower of Jesus. Therefore, your literal presence in a situation will bring an increase of light - before you do or say anything.
I love the song with the lyrics “Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble”. The powerful thing we can also understand is that, because Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world - we too make the darkness tremble. When we step into a room, any darkness trembles as the light of Jesus, that lives in us, goes with us and shines.
Pray: Ask Jesus to intensify your light. Pray that when you enter rooms, conversations and situations that people would notice the spiritual atmosphere to shift, because of the light and peace you bring.
Response: Go into your day knowing that you carry a light that can bring about change and transformation!
Mike Darbandi