“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8). “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Lights On
Why did Jesus say, “Let your light shine before men” It was because they who live in darkness are blind to Him and His love and we need to shine so they can “open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me’” (Acts 26:18).
You shine “that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We must shine very bright. We can’t put our light “under a basket” I am afraid there are many “lights” that are dim…low on batteries…no work of the Holy Spirit in the life.
We all know what being lost means! “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).
We must not dim the light of Jesus! One day soon…no more time to witness. Do you want to take your “light” to the grave having lived “under a basket?” People need to see the light! We all know what it is like walking around in the dark. Turn the light on and let them see Jesus.
Is your light shining before your family, work, community, and through Missions? Sin is the reason your light shines dim and you hide under the basket.
Lights Hid
Why do professing Christians hide their light? It is because they have become worldly! That is living in sin! Some sins that are popular today are: fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lying, stealing, abuse of all kinds. But did you know that if you are truly a born again child of God that you will not “live” in sin! You may sin, but you will not continue in it, you will ask forgiveness and turn from it. So if you are living a lifestyle of sin, you may not be saved! You may still be in “darkness.” Rom. 6.
One day we will see all the souls whom the Lord sent our way. We may see them come to Christ or they may leave this world lost and wake up at the Great White Throne Judgment. I believe we will know them and they will recognize us and ask us: Why did you hide your light from me?
Reasons why the Christian hides the light? When there is no prayer life, you can only find yourself under the basket. Prayer in the presence of God can only bring a bright light before the world and people will be confronted with Christ. They may not accept Christ, but your light shines so they can see a way out of the darkness. It’s their choice!
You find yourself under a basket when you are not Studying His Word. When you study His Word, you see yourself on the pages and you’re never the same. You, are not being thankful for what He has done for you. No time to praise Him. No time for fellowship. You will remain under the basket, without prayer, study, praise, thankfulness and true worship!
You’re not living by faith! You don’t love Him!!! “Walk as children of light.” We are Christians! We are separated from the darkness!
Lights Seen
The Christian who shines in darkness will be seen. There is joy, love, kindness, faith, peace. The one in darkness is drawn to ask: You have a glow about you, what is that? Amen.
Unsaved
“Therefore, He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light” (Eph.5:14: John 3:16) Christians: when we get to Heaven “There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:5)
