Are You Living as the Light of the World?

February 07, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

We have experiences in our lives that make deep impressions on our hearts, minds, and souls. For me, godly formation occurred at the Christian camp I attended for so many years. The lessons taught, the examples of true Christian lives before me, and the incredible Christian fellowship I had there marked me as a child of God and member of a blessed community.

For my children, some of their greatest Christian formation occurred in the Purpose Driven Kids (PDK) program at church. Our Christian Education director known as “Big E,” started PDK. “Big E” had an amazing gift of bringing the scriptures to life for our children. They begged to attend PDK every week and overwhelmed us with what they learned and shared. One of the first verses that “Big E” had the children memorize was John 8:12: “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.’”

To this day, my now grown children can recite that verse and expound on how Jesus is the light that came into the world, how they are called to walk in the light of Christ, and to let his light shine in and through them. Light shone in their hearts through PDK and “Big E.”

Jesus came to illuminate the darkness and to make the way to the Father clear for all to see. Now, Jesus wants you to allow his light to shine in the darkness surrounding you. What does that mean? To shine with the light of Christ is to first allow his light to search you and to reveal any places that darkness hides. Invite Christ into every aspect of your life. Then, ask his Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and righteousness. When lies are spoken in your home, workplace, or community speak God’s truth in love. When evil surrounds you, manifest a holy life. When the darkness of fear surfaces, bring the hope that is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Bring grace and forgiveness into situations of contention; bring peace into places of turmoil.

To shine the light of Christ is to live in the way of Christ. The great question for Christians in 2014 was “What would Jesus do?” What a wonderful place to start! If you want to live in the light of Jesus and then reflect the light of Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit that question and then heed his guidance. The light shining in you can become a beacon of hope to a world floundering in darkness.

Reflection:

How can you let the light of Christ shine in and through you today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.