“…..so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.... (Philippians 2:14-16)

 In seeking to be ‘green’, I recently replaced my outside electric light by solar panel lighting. It may be that I haven’t got the right sort of quality solar lighting, but I have been very disappointed in the quality. When it is dark, the only thing that this new light does is to spread a glimmer of light that looks cosy, without having any effect on its environment. The garden remains dark, the path can’t be seen, so for me it is back to the drawing board.

 I wonder if this solar light is a little bit how Christians can fail to make a difference. Jesus warns His disciples against hiding their light. He challenges them to let their light shine before men, that “they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Jesus said: YOU are the light of the world

I find this amazing. It is easy to accept that God spreads His light, that Jesus is the light of the world, but you? Me? Us? As believers we have an awesome task. To shine for God in a dark world is an incredible privilege and a solemn responsibility.

Jesus said: You ARE the light of the world

Jesus did not present this as an option, a possibility. No, this is God’s plan for all Jesus’ followers, to shine, to make a difference, to be a blessing.

Jesus said: You are the LIGHT of the world

It is not surprising that this challenge of our Lord follows straight after the beatitudes. To be light is to be humble, meek, merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. In the same sermon Jesus speaks later about morality, loving your enemy, being trustworthy and generous. In this world we can only make a difference if we are different.

Jesus said: You are the light of the WORLD 

That really means right where you are. You are the light of your family, of your school, of your place of work, of your street, of your friends.

The world is in an awful state. The only hope for this world is Jesus. It is our task to introduce and show Him to this world by spreading light. You ARE the light of the world.

Desiring to shine with you,

 Pastor Bert