Be impactful Part 4, by Aije Barnes, Jan 4 Issue 2 Vol 5

You are the light of the world!

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (‭NIV)'

A world without Christ is a very dark world indeed. Jesus called us the light of the world. In John chapter 1, it says the following: In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5‬ NKJV). 

The introduction of sin into this world made it a very dark place full of all sorts of ungodliness, corruption, a blindness to the Creator, hatred, greed, illness and everything bad including death - both physical and spiritual.  But when Jesus came, in Him was life and the life was the light of men. He brought hope and salvation to anyone who would believe in Him and receive Him.   

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, having been dead in your sins and separated from God the Father because of your sins, He gives you life, your sins are washed away, you are reconciled to God, become a child of God and the light of the world. 

As light of the world, you have a purpose and that is to shine in this dark world. You will not be effective if you hide your light, as nobody will benefit from your presence and God will not be glorified in your life. You need to let your light shine so much by the good deeds you do, so that others will benefit from it and give God the Glory!

Jesus said: 'The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭1-3‬ NIV)'

Note also that the scripture says: 'Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ KJV)'

And: 'Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭21-22‬ NIV)'

This is how impactful a Child of God is called to be as light of the world!

In concluding this series, I will share with you next week, the concluding part of the implications of what being the Light of the world in the second part of Isaiah chapter 61. It is so amazing - not to missed!!

Until then, don't hide your light - the world needs you!!! 

Shalom