When a huge winter snowstorm hit our region in February 2021, many homes were without electricity for up to four days. Thousands of people suffered as the icicles stubbornly clung to the power lines, refusing to thaw.
No lights. Just darkness.
Having only a flashlight or candles as the main source of light for a few days helps us realize how much we depend on light!
Jesus emphasizes the importance of light in Matthew 5.
“You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven”
(Matthew 5:14-16 New International Version).
Think of someone you know whose life reminds you of Jesus.
Two specific people came to mind as I considered this, both of whom have light-filled lives. Regardless of difficulties, both remained faithful to Jesus . . . praising the Lord not only in worship services, but by serving others in many ways.
Their lives are as bright as a city on a hill.
How can each of us live such a life?
Reflect the character of Jesus living in you.
Loving others the way we love ourselves is a challenge, but Jesus called us to this standard.
Choosing to forgive others, taking care of people by providing for their needs, and being humble in our actions, attitude and communication with them are examples of how Jesus loves and how He calls us to love.
Jesus’ character is perfect. Although we will never have a flawless life, we can pray and seek each day to be like Jesus and to live like Him.
Demonstrate your faith in a way that brings glory to the Father, and not to glorify self.
Jesus’ purpose was to glorify God, and we are to do the same.
In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us specifically not to do things to be seen by others. When we disobey Him in this manner, we are acting out of pride, one of our sins that Jesus died to save us from.
Whether we verbally give glory to God or do so by humble service, the light of Christ shines in our lives and puts the spotlight on Him.
Obey Jesus’ command to go and make follower/learners of all people groups (Matthew 28:18-20).
If you have the gift of teaching, this is certainly the most important way to use it. What information is more crucial to share than the Gospel of Jesus?!
Not everyone has this particular gift, so we can consider other ways to share the gospel.
Of course, asking the Father to open the door of a friend’s heart to learn about and obey Jesus is the best way to begin.
Building relationships with people builds credibility. By being hospitable, such as inviting people for a meal or a cup of tea, we open a door to share Scriptures in our conversations. Inviting friends to a worship service or church activity gives them opportunities to meet other Christians and to learn from them as well.
It seems that more and more people are sharing Scriptures on social media platforms, which may also point someone to Jesus or encourage others to follow Him.
There are many ways to be a light in this world. May each of us pray and seek to reflect Jesus’ character each day, demonstrating our faith in such a way that God is glorified, including sharing the Good News of His saving love and grace.
Let us go be the light!
Jo Umberger, Vice President, NewLife Behavior International
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
