Light of the World | Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14–16 NLT)

The revival our nation so desperately needs requires believers to show up conspicuously, to make our presence known. Revival requires us to offer light to the world. That was certainly Jesus’ plan for us. He left little doubt about how conspicuous we should be when He said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14–16 NLT).

There are two key ways that believers can be light for the world. We can let our light shine by doing good works, and we can let our light shine by proclaiming the gospel. Let’s start with the need for good works.

Since 9/11, the title “first responder” has been given a sense of near reverence. In any discussion of the most important, most beloved, most respected people in our country, first responders are invariably mentioned. First responders run toward dangers, tragedies, disasters, and unsettling situations that most other people run away from. They put themselves at risk, physically and emotionally, to help others in their times of need.

That’s something Christians should aspire to in letting their lights shine. When natural disasters occur, when people are starving, when a country is torn by war or ravaged by disease, Christians should be the first on the scene, doing what they can to bring aid, comfort, and provisions.

On a smaller scale, we can let our lights shine at home or in our workplace by being kind, generous, and loving, and by living sacrificially for others. That’s how we let our lights shine through our good works.

Then, of course, we also should let our lights shine by proclaiming the gospel, by telling others of their need for Christ. We are not to be secretive about our faith. We can tell our neighbors the Good News. We can make sure our coworkers know exactly what a Christian believes. We can make our faith obvious in our neighborhood and in the places we frequent. And we can raise up our children to walk with the Lord. That’s how we can make a difference in our nation.

You can be a conspicuous Christian. Let your light shine! That light is desperately needed in these dark times.

Reflection question: How can you make the light of Christ more conspicuous in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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