Neville Turley

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.  Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Our Lord Jesus Christ was preaching the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ to his followers, when he declared, "You are the light of the world".  In an earlier stage of his ministry, Jesus had stated, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5)

Jesus was not contradicting what he had said before.  He, who had brought the light of the gospel to the world, was telling his followers that they must now take the gospel to those still living in darkness.

The ‘Sermon on the Mount’ is binding on all Christians.  At this moment in time Jesus is saying to you and to me, "You are the light of the world."

It is a most wonderful compliment from the Saviour himself and it means that it is time for us to become proactive.  We dare not be closet Christians hiding our faith ‘under a bowl’.  We are to be lamps reflecting the light of Christ’s love to all.

In short, we who follow him must lead lives that other people admire and want to emulate.  Not because of who we are, but for what we have as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is important to be willing to share our Christian testimony when appropriate, but actions always speak louder than words.  Living our Christian faith will make an even greater impact. 

The Lord is telling us to bring light to the world.  Will you be a lightbearer for Him?

Prayer: Almighty God enable us through the Holy Spirit to share the good news of the Gospel through your Son and our Lord.  Amen