Matthew 5:14–You Are the Light of the World

Matthew 5:14–"You are the light of the world."

This statement by Christ is about identity.  In a real way, He is defining His believers as the light of the world.  But how can this be, considering that John calls Jesus the light of the world (John 1:9-10)? Luckily, Jesus answers this question for us.

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12)."

The point is that Christians become the light of the world through Christ.  It is by God's indwelling presence that we are transformed from people of darkness into people of the light.  Let us claim this transformed identity and live like creatures of the light in Christ!

John 3:21–To Be Seen Doing What Is True

John 3:21–"But whoever does what is true comes into the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out by God."

There is something to this verse, that not only would we do what is true but also that we would do it in the open so that our works may be weighed for worth.  It is not that we do what is true for the purpose of being seen.  Rather, it is that we would do the will of God for the purpose of glorifying God and to prove His goodness and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit working through us.  This is what John is talking about.  He is exhorting us to live out the truth in such a way that brings glory to God by the way we live.  Let us then strive to live life in this way so as to praise God fully.

Not Winning Souls, We're Being light

There is a common misconception of evangelism that thinks the Christian's job to be one of 'winning souls.'  This could not be further from the truth.  Our job is not to bring everyone to Christ, it is to bring Christ to everyone.  The very essence of Christianity and thus the Christian life is to live out Christ, to shine as the light of the world.  It is through this that God affects those who may not yet know His holy name.  It is not through argument but it is through influencing people by living out Jesus in every aspect, every facet of our lives.  We need to always keep this in focus when we encounter the world and those of it: we are hear to lighten, not to win.  God captures hearts by the power of His Word applied by His Holy Spirit.  We are merely the instruments through which that blessed music of salvation is played.  Let us not lose sight of this truth!