“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matt 5:14
When I was younger and I heard my Sunday school teachers or my Pastor talk about “being a light,” I always pictured a wax candle, dripping and illuminating a dark windowsill of a home set high on a hill, far from the rest of the world. Although the single flame was small, everything outside the house was so dark that others could clearly see the light and would be drawn to it. Once they reached the light they experienced warmth, clarity, and comfort.
As believers we are the candle: carrying the light of Jesus in our hearts. The Lord is our match and he sets our hearts ablaze so that the rest of the world may see the light and come to know His truth. I still like to picture Spirit-filled individuals in this sense, however, I believe it’s beneficial to apply a 21st century filter.
Our world has changed significantly since traditional wax candles lined every dining room table and nightstand and I think our definition of what “being a light” means should as well. Modern inventions have given us electricity. Light bulbs provide us instantaneous and broad illumination in the blink of an eye. The light provided is consistent and doesn’t die out over time. The longevity of a light bulb far exceeds a single candlestick – no wonder traditional candles are few and far between.
In today’s world we need to be more than a small, flickering light peeking out from a windowsill; we need to be an electric light.
1. We need to spend time in prayer and in the word so that we can be quick to share the Lord’s mercies and promises with those who will listen.
2. We must strive to be consistent in our faith no matter where we are or who is around us.
3. Our light must continue to be strong during trials and throughout difficult circumstances.
4. We must never burn out.A modern light is far more complicated than a traditional candle but when we hold ourselves to these higher standards, we increase our reach and we broaden His light.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt 5:16
