14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Believers are to let the light of Jesus within them shine forth - first for our households and next for our worlds – our spheres of influence. We are to be both illustrious and conspicuous – signs and symbols from the Lord to the lost and perishing. The Treasure within us should ever illuminate our countenance – we are to be known as a light radiating people. Jesus came as the Light of the world so that those who would believe in Him would never walk in darkness but have the light of life. Our Lord tells us in John:
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (NIV)
His Light within us gives direction to others - pointing them to the proper path – to the way – which is, of course, Jesus. Jesus tells us:
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
We must endeavor to walk circumspectly - as wise not as foolish - because of our observers. It is important how one lives their life. Sadly, many Christians live no differently than the unbelievers Jesus desires for us to reach. If the Lord Jesus makes no difference in our lives, why would anyone else be interested?
Are we a reflection of His goodness and mercy and humility and kindness and gentleness and patience? Are we, as believers, winsome and wooing as Jesus – drawing others to Him through our actions rather than repelling them by our words and deeds? The candle lit by the Lord Jesus should never be hidden under a bowl but allowed to shine forth. We must be burning and shining lights in the way we live – not muffling the message by obscurity and privacy. The Bible does not speak of a solitary and private faith. Paul states it frankly in 1 Corinthians:
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Cor 6:19-20 (NIV)
“The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” John Wesley
Peter adds the following Truth, exhorting his readers to practice holiness and declare God’s eminent Excellencies and Virtues:
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“Be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your life may preach among all sorts of people.” George Fox
“To be like Christ. That is our goal, plain and simple.” Charles Swindoll
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
It is to our Father’s glory and for our good that we bear much fruit showing ourselves to be the Lord Jesus’ disciples. Jesus states in our verses for today that our deeds must be evident so that those who observe us will praise our Father in heaven. God’s glory being the great thing we aim for in all that we say or do.
“Though salvation is not by the works of the law, yet the blessings which are promised to obedience are not denied to the faithful servants of God. The curses our Lord took away when He was made a curse for us, but no clause of blessing has been abrogated. We are to note and listen to the revealed will of the Lord, giving our attention not to portions of it but to ‘all these words.’ There must be no picking and choosing but an impartial respect to all that God has commanded. This is the road of blessedness for the Father and for His children. The Lord’s blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation. If they walk uprightly before Him, He will make all men know that they are a seed which the Lord has blessed.” Charles H. Spurgeon