Go Beyond

   Years ago I was reminded of an important lesson about light. One stormy night a bolt of lightning hit a power line, leaving our neighborhood in darkness. As I fumbled around in the dark I noticed a soft glow of light. “Dad,” said my son, “when you squeeze my teddy bear it plays a song and his nose lights up. His little light can help you find your flashlight.” Jonathan was right. All it took to get oriented in the darkness was the soft glow of light from his teddy bear’s nose. A little light can make a big difference on a dark night.

   Jesus said to His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Our sin-darkened world needs light. The purpose of light is not to draw attention to itself, but to enable people to see what they otherwise would be unable to see. Our lives should enable people to see the truth of the gospel. Our influence for Christ should shine as brightly as a “city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14). And, we should live in such a way as to “shine like stars in the universe” (Phil. 2:15) in the midst of our unbelieving generation.

   Jesus cautioned His followers against hiding their light (Matthew 5:15). The people of Jesus’ day used small oil-filled lamps to illuminate their homes. Jesus pointed out the absurdity of lighting a lamp and then covering it with a bowl. Instead, He commanded that we let our “light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). We are to be witnesses for Christ wherever we are. Our “good works” (Matthew 5:16) should serve as a shining demonstration of the effectiveness of the gospel and cause people to glorify God.

   Many people all over the world still live in the darkness of sin and separation from God. That is why we must be light and carry the light to the nations. We can make an eternal difference in the lives of others by faithfully letting our light shine. Remember, God can use even a little bit of light offered in child-like innocence to help someone in darkness find their way into the light of forgiveness and hope. So, let your light shine.

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Note | Operation World by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk is a great resource for learning about people groups. The book is available on the Operation World website.