Monday, July 21, 2008

Matthew 5:14-16 "Light the Way"

"You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." NIV
I wrote pretty much about this same topic on June 6th in "Living in the Light," but since we live in such a dark world, the truth always bears repeating. We can't forget; we can't stop. If we are going to be the light of the world, we must stop hiding. You only hide those things you are ashamed of. Where your pride is, you shine for all to see. A new parent shows off their new baby; a singer, his voice; an inventor, a new gadget. Where will we place our pride -- in the things that are here today and gone tomorrow? I pray I hear a resounding, NO! We will walk in the light as He is in the light. We will shine before men now because the days are short. Darkness is creeping in, night is coming soon. If we do not shine now, many will be lost. It's time to act; it's time to light up. It's time to be the city on the hill, a beacon to the blind, a refuge to the lost and downtrodden. Light their path; they can't see the way. Live so they can know which way to go. Don't let them flounder in the dark any longer. The day is now. So shine!

Further Thoughts:
  1. Fear can become the bowl we use to hide our light. What do you fear and what does Scripture say about the origin of fear and how to handle it? Read 1 John 4:18, Proverbs 29:25, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, and Joshua 1:9, as well as, my post on fear, "Living Fearlessly." Discard the bowl and place your light on the lamp stand of faith.
  2. How did some of the giants of the OT handle fear? Read about Moses and the fear he faced in following God's plan in Exodus 3:1-4:31.
  3. Shining is a risk -- you stand the chance of ridicule, banishment, persecution.... But you will be blessed. Read what Scripture says about standing in faith in Psalm 33:11, 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 16:13-14.
  4. Where do you need to let your light shine? List ways you can shine brighter.

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