A Light to the World
Our church has recently been figuring out the various aspects of meeting in a space that is new to us. One minor issue we have encountered is the lighting of this hotel conference room. Ironically, it appears to be decently lit everywhere except up front where the stage is. We attempted to mend this issue by bringing in a flood light to cast over the shadow that sits directly behind the speaker. This light made absolutely no difference. The other lights in the room drowned it out. It was as if we had turned a flashlight on outside on a sunny day.
As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world. In Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, he states, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16, ESV]
It is common to hear this analogy equated to sharing the gospel. We are to shine our light of the good news of Christ to the dark, unbelieving world. This holds true, but looking at Jesus’s words here, being the light goes beyond the direct practice of sharing the gospel. He says, “…so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Is sharing the gospel a good work? Absolutely, but it is not the only good work.
Following the verses quoted above, Jesus goes on to expound on what is stated in the law (paraphrasing): “You know not to murder, but simply having hatred in your heart towards someone is murder. You know not to cheat on your spouse, but even having lustful thoughts of someone is adultery.” Although Jesus states he is the fulfillment of the law in this sermon, he is simultaneously showing us that our works do not compare with what the true standard of the law is. Every manner of our lives, in thought and deed, should give God glory and be a light to the world.
The question then becomes, how do I live this out? Just like the flood light was drowned out in the hotel conference room, as Christians, our light will never truly shine if we are only ever around other believers. Community, fellowship, and corporate worship are necessary for the believer, but we are also called to share the good news. We cannot do that if we are only ever around people who already know Christ.
Does this mean every believer is called to go to far away lands in order to evangelize? No, but it does mean we are to be intentional with the time God has given us on this earth. Perhaps God is calling you to move away to a dark place that desperately needs the light, or maybe, God is calling you to stay exactly where you are to be the light in your current community. Regardless, this call is true for every believer in every place. Just because someone lives in a place that by every measure is “churched,” there are many who still need Christ. The call is the same for those who live in areas where Christianity is the minority; though it may be more intimidating, the command is still the same – be the light, for the light shines brightest in the darkest places.