Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Shining the light:
Jesus instructed us to shine our light into the darkness of this world. He explains that our light is synonymous with our good works and the purpose of the good works is to glorify our Heavenly Father. We have been saved to produce good works (Tit 2:14; Eph 2:10).
Doing good works:
Being kind toward others, even those that do not deserve it (Eph 4:32; Jn 13:35). Showing kindness or doing good to all (Gal 6:10). Speaking gracious words (Col 4:6). Doing good works and speaking graciously to the unsaved is a way missionaries get the attention of those they minster to and opens the door to tell them of Christ. Jesus said not to hide our lights under bushels but place them on candlesticks and then when any praise is given we are to direct it to God. This gives us opportunity to tell of the difference God has made in our life. Living the life of a Christian is shining our light (Eph 5:8).
Becoming light:
Peter tells us we are children of light called out of darkness (1 Pet 2:9). We were once blinded by the enemy but now thru the light of the gospel we have come to the true light (2 Cor 4:6; Jn 3:19). Everyone has been given the light of conscience by God (Jn 1:3-5). As we follow Jesus we are molded into the light He desires us to become (Jn 8:12; Isa 45:7). To “form” means to squeeze into shape and god’s purpose is to remove all darkness from our lives as we follow Him/His teachings – this involves the renewing of our minds as we pray, study and attend to spiritual events in our walk with Him.
Increasing our light:
There are ways we can increase our light. 1) Looking to Jesus and spending time with Him. When Moses came down from the mount his face shone because of his time with God (Psa 27:1). 2) Humbly walk with Him in repentance as needed (Psa 112:4; 1 Cor 4:5). 3) Forgive (1 Jn 2:9, 11). 4) Make God’s word a priority (Psa 119:105, 130). 5) Put on the armor (Rom 13:12). 6) Have a single eye (Matt 6:21-23; Prov 28:22). 7) Fellowship with other believers (1 Jn 1:7).
