Light of the world

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

I love lighthouses.  I’m not sure why, but I do.  My wife and I one year drove from Seattle, WA to Monterey, CA and visited almost every lighthouse along the Pacific coast.  Most of these lighthouses are right on the coastline with spectacular views of the ocean.  I recall commenting while awestruck by one of those views that heaven must look like this and that this is what I will think of when I know that I’m close to dying.

We all know what the purpose of a lighthouse is……..to shine a beacon of light clearly seen by boats approaching the coastline so that they won’t crash into the rocks.  Jesus is telling His followers that we are like lighthouses.  You are to live your life in such as way that others see Jesus in you.  You are not to shine with the light of Jesus so that you get praised.  You want to be a light of the world so that the Father gets praised through you.  One way this happens is that others will desire to change their lives and lifestyles so that they emulate you and become shining lights themselves.  All this gives glory to God.   

Who was your role model when you decided to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord?  Who is your role model today who exemplifies light in this world?  Have you told these people that they are lights of God for you?  Are you a shining light to others?  Are you telling others about Jesus when others ask why you are so cheerful and enthusiastic about life?  If no one has commented about your positive attitudes and actions, are you certain that you are a disciple of Christ?  Are you quenching the Spirit in some way so that He is not shining through you?  Be assured of that right now by confessing your sins and rededicating your life to Christ and asking His Spirit to fill you daily.  Then live your life accordingly as a Spirit-filled follower of Christ, as one who is salt of the earth and light of the world.  Others will notice.