18 April, 2010

What does it mean to be Christians in this imperfect world? Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16,

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither 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. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ”

Our faith is public – there is no way to cover up our identities as believers. Try covering up a city on a hill – impossible! We are the light, matter-of-fact and in the present tense. Period.

Our faith is intentional – where we put the light speaks of deliberation. Putting a light under a bowl extinguishes the flame due to lack of oxygen. To put the light on a stand strategically lights up the entire place.

Our faith is geographical – from being the light of the world, to a city on a hill and illuminating the entire house. Where we are called to, we display God’s light and speak to God’s character.

Our faith discriminates against no one. Light simply shines and does its work. As light, our faith cannot but shine. It gives hope to people hoping for light and irritates those who are in darkness.

Our faith is influential – it points to God who is the Source of Light. God gets the glory just by us being who we are, being the light of the world.

So SHINE.