“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 NIV
Jesus’ disciples knew all about darkness. Centuries before electricity had been harnessed to provide light, individuals made do with fires and oil lamps. When the sun went down, darkness ruled.
So when Jesus told His followers that they are the light of the world, the image meant a great deal to them. Light that overtakes the darkness—light to illuminate the way to the Savior. What an amazing concept!
Jesus tells us twenty-first-century followers to be light, too, boldly and unashamedly flooding the darkness that surrounds us. How do we do it? First, by living the life God calls us to—not sinless, but forgiven. Second, by sprinkling our conversations with evidence of our faith. Did something good happen? Share that blessing with others and give God the credit for it. When someone asks about the peace they see in you, share the joy of Jesus.
Being a light of the world is not about being a Bible thumper or bashing others over the head with religion. It’s about living out genuine faith that allows Christ’s light to break through our everyday lives. With that goal in mind, shine!
Jesus, You are my true light. Even though I alone can’t shine as brightly as You, I ask that You shine through me as I seek to follow after You. I know I won’t be perfect, but I also know that Your grace has me covered. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2013 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Annie Tipton.