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Matthew 5:14-16

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.

Light does two things: It exposes and explains. It chases away the darkness and reveals what is close. Darkness and light cannot exist in the same place. When light is present it illuminates the area and explains the way.

Jesus said that believers are the light of the world. Like a city built on a hill you cannot hide your relationship with Jesus. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that you have no choice but to shine. Bonhoeffer writes:

…It is not: “You are to be the light,” [believers] are already the light because Christ has called them, they are a light which is seen by men, they cannot be otherwise…

 Nor does Jesus say, “You have the light.” The light is not an instrument which has been put into their hands…. [He] says to his followers: “You are the light in your whole existence, provided you remain faithful to your calling. And since you are that light, you can no longer remain hidden, even if you want to.” It is the property of light to shine.

 [Followers of Jesus] must be what they really are—otherwise they are not followers of Jesus.

You are the light of the world! Let’s ask God to let us shine.

Talking to God

Father, help me shine in a way that others see how you are working in me and through me. May you always receive honor and glory for what you are doing in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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