When you think about your home, how is the light from room to room? Do you have one bulb that illuminates your entire home, or do you have warm lamps intentionally placed throughout each living space, giving ample light?
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to produce the light of heaven, but unfortunately, many of us claim to be disciples while sitting in the dark.
The problem with that is we can’t see God’s revelations in the dark. We can’t read our Bibles in the dark. And we surely can’t project the light of Jesus when we are living in the dark!
Our cultures, communities, and families have been operating this way for so long that we have simply become accustomed to the dark places, settling for a blind lifestyle.
But did you know that in a pitch-black room, one light makes all the difference?
In Light, Darkness Scatters
When I was a young boy, like most children, I was taught to turn off every light before I went to bed. And again, like most children, once tucked into bed, I decided I was thirsty. This required me to get out of bed and turn on the kitchen light. After flipping the light switch, I sometimes encountered roaches scattering back to dark corners to hide.
Saints, some of you have been living in darkness for so long that you have roaches clinging to every corner of your room. (These are people who delight in evil, cheat to get ahead, or, quite simply, cling to your hard work and earned resources.) I want to encourage you to turn on the light and watch those who are choosing to live in darkness flee!
So why is it important to continue living in the light? Here are three commands Jesus gives to us.
3 Commands for Living in the Light
Be the Light
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and begin the discipleship sanctification process, you are now a representation of Christ. As you dwell in Christ, he empowers you with clarity and understanding within the many aspects of your life.
Because you are the light of the world, darkness cannot co-exist with the places you influence. (Try it! You cannot turn on a light and still experience darkness.) As Christ’s light bearers, we are called to share His truth and help dispel the darkness many are walking through.
We are commissioned to remind people that God cares about and loves them, that He has a perfect plan for their lives, and that they can escape the grip of sin by repenting and declaring that Jesus is Lord. We are to be present and live our lives in such a way that brings people back to the heart of God.
Don’t Hide Your Light
Matthew 5:15, in the NKJV, goes on to say, “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
Praise God that when we have the light of Jesus shining through us, it cannot be extinguished and nothing can be hidden.
We are commanded not to hide our light because we can impact those around us when our lights are prevalent. When we surrender our lamps to the Lord, allowing Him to reveal His light through us, God will elevate us in our circumstances, workplaces, and leadership roles, opening up areas of greater impact.
The truth of the matter is that you can’t hide your light at school, in your workplaces, at the mall, and not even in the club. When you live with Jesus inside of you, the world will notice. They will see a twinkle in your eye, a skip in your step, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. You will exude a confidence that outweighs whatever curveball life throws your way. You have something inside of you that removes fear and torment in the unknown because you know that God has everything under control and He is faithful to complete everything according to His perfect will.
What a testament to the light of Jesus!
Shining Your Light at Home
So what do you do if you are the only one in your family illuminating Christ’s light on a lampstand? Well, you keep shining your light! God will use you to reveal to your family members how to course-correct within their situations. They will glean direction and revelation through your obedience. Prayers will be answered, and lives will be changed. God will use you as His light to bring restoration and wholeness to your family.
Let Your Light Shine
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus continues, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
There is a good reason Jesus refers to himself and his disciples as light; light produces things. It causes vegetation to grow, boosts our mental well-being, and is needed for life to be sustained.
Have you ever been to Alaska? Because of its location on the earth, Alaska has seasons of 24-hour darkness and times of all-day sunlight. In fact, studies have shown that when there is no sunlight, its residents experience depression, causing an elevated suicide rate.
Similarly, the absence of light in our mental, emotional, and spiritual lives creates space for turmoil. When we have the light of Jesus in our lives, those around us see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
Outward Illumination
There is something about that love of Jesus within us that causes us to be outwardly focused. When you actively allow Jesus to reign in your life, you become concerned about the well-being of those less fortunate than you and seek ways to serve those who need it most. It isn’t self-seeking or self-pleasing. Living a life reflecting the heart of Christ creates resources and service to those who cannot repay you.
Let your light shine before men, so they will see the kingdom of God. Let’s be leaders who leave the light on and illuminate the way for righteousness.
For more on being a light, check out Pastor Jenkins’ sermon, Leave the Light On.
