The world can be a dark place. One of the reasons is because some people prefer the darkness so that their evil deeds can be hidden,

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

Jesus is the light of the world and He came into this world to overcome the darkness. He has also called His people to dispel the darkness because they too are the light of the world. This is how He described His followers,

 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)

Do you see yourself as the light of the world? This is your true identity as a follower of Jesus. Your identity as a bearer of light is in stark contrast to a dark world. Light provides clarity, guidance, and it overcomes the darkness. Francis Of Assisi reminds us, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Our responsibility is to let our light shine,

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. (Matthew 5:15)

If you don’t see yourself as the light of the world, then you may be reluctant to let your light shine. You may wonder, “Who am I that I should represent Jesus to the world?” God has chosen you for a special task and the devil will seek to thwart what God wants to do in and through your life. The devil knows your name but he calls you by your sin, God however, knows your sin but He calls you by your name. May you find your identity from God’s word rather than the lies of the enemy.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

This statement is an imperative, the tense of the verb indicates that you are to let your light shine at once. It’s easy to let your light shine when life is going well, but the true test is when you face adversity. The light appears brightest when it’s darkest around us. When you’re surrounded by darkness, may you reveal the light within.

We have a responsibility to let our light shine before others so they can see our good works and bring glory to God. The world desperately needs to see the light of God’s love. The task before us is to take action and become part of the solution.  We have a responsibility to perform good works in a dark world. The words of Edmund Burke are a solemn reminder, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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