Let Your Light Shine Before Others

GOOD MORNING!

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. 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 works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

From the very beginning of creation, God has been the source of light both spiritually and literally. Genesis 1:2b-3 says, "Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light".

Imagine a world full of darkness. Then with four small words, light blazes forth. Every living thing in our world relies on light for its existence - plants, animals and people. The God who brought light to the world also brings it to our lives. As 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. We are called to shine. But the light we share is not our own, "For God... made His light shine in our hearts." The light is His light. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we’re commanded to live a different way—to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14). Sin dulls the light. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16a). He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, you’re called to be a light to the people around you - representing God's truth. When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to always bring glory to God. Purpose in your heart today TO BE LIGHT and TO BRING GLORY TO GOD. We are the light of the world!!!!

Much love and care, Pastor Pat

GREECE ASSEMBLY OF GOD