Today’s verse reminds me of a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt “It’s more important to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. Unfortunately, many Christians are known as people who curse darkness. As Christians, we are sometimes more about what we oppose rather than being shining models of truth and love.
In scripture, Jesus calls us to be light in a sin-darkened world. We are light when we live all of life in the way God calls us to live. We are light when we treat our clients with integrity, and when we treat bullies with kindness (without letting them get their way). We live as light when we represent a cause that may not be popular but is right. In fact, Christ explains that it is impossible for Christians not to be light. We are either His followers, His light, or we are not. A candle under a bowl goes out. A city on a hill lights the countryside. Authentic Christians radiate righteousness, truth, and grace.
Today, the light that lights this dark world does not come from within us. We are the light of the world only to the extent that Christ, the true light of the world, lives in us. When we were lost in darkness, He came to us, full of grace and truth, and drew us into his light. Will you shine the light of Jesus into your world today?
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, my light, I’m so glad that your glorious light shattered the gloom of my life and offered me hope! Father may my life reflect the brightness of your grace at all times. God, please help me to live as light in this world. In Christ’s name, Amen.