Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor- LHBC
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
When I was growing up, I had an aunt who was obsessed with conserving energy. She was a huge proponent of saving on electricity so she was always making sure we used as little light in the house as we possibly could. There would be times that I would forget to turn off the light in the restroom when I was over there and she would bark at me. There were other times at night when my sisters’ and I would walk to the kitchen to get a late night snack (because late night snacks are the best) and she would get annoyed that we used one of the hallway lights to illuminate our path from our rooms to the kitchen. Looking back I applaud her method on conserving energy and electricity, but my goodness I thought it was a bit much as a kid.
In Matthew 5 Jesus is in the midst of preaching perhaps his most famous sermon known as the Sermon on the Mount. In verses 14 and 15 He tells the people in the crowd that they are the light of the world! As a matter of fact, we are the light of the world. He is implying that with Jesus we are now the light (Philippians 2:14-15) and are called to let our light shine in this dark and broken world. Here is a sad reality though friend: Though as Christians we are called to be the light of the world, there are many who are living in energy conservation mode when it comes to their Christian life. They have their light on once in a while and the other times they are in conservation mode, hiding their light or simply choosing not to let it shine. That is not how it is supposed to be!
What does it mean to be a light? My friend, it is making the decision to live every day in a manner that is pleasing to the Most High God (Colossians 1:10), and living a life that is unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). As a Christian, we have been changed from the inside out. We were once dead in sin, but because we have repented and trusted in Jesus, we are dead TO sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6). We have been given this joy that surpasses all understanding. Though life may be tough, we can still rejoice because we know the Source of life. Through the completed work of Jesus Christ and us choosing receive the gift of salvation, our life has been changed.
Here is the call for us as a result: To Shine Bright! First off understand that the place where light shines the brightest is in the dark. There are many you and I encounter every single day who do not know Jesus and are therefore walking in darkness. Let your light shine! Live on mission. Engage that co-worker/friend who is lost and share the Gospel boldly without shame. Hey, show the world that you have been changed by how you choose to respond when trouble and tragedy comes.
Secondly, understand that the only way we can live as lights in a dark world is by choosing to be connected to the Light Source, Jesus Christ every single day in prayer and in reading His word. May we never forsake our time with Him. If you are not sitting at the feet of Jesus daily, you will not be able to stand for Him and be a light in the darkness.
So this morning choose not to be the Christian who lives in Energy Conservation mode. Listen, we are called to be the light of the world! Let your light shine. Not just once a week on a Sunday morning where there are a ton of lights, but on Monday at your job where it may be dark; on Tuesday at the place where you work out where its dark; on Wednesday at the restaurant where its dark. Be a light at the ballfield, on that date with your spouse, at the DMV when your fuse is about to blow. BE A LIGHT! Listen, keep your light on all week and let it shine for Jesus!
SONG OF REFLECTION FOR TODAY: We Are by Kari Jobe
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord, thank you for saving me. Help me to be bold and stand for you. Give me the strength to choose to let my light shine for you every single day. Help for me to always remember that standing for you starts with sitting at your feet every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.