Impacting others by our own example Part 2
Impacting others by our own example
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world.”
Extra Reading: Matthew 5:12-20
Being a beacon of truth-don’t shut off your light from the rest of the world. V15 states, “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”. How absurd it would be to light a lamp and then put it under a bowl. People light lamps to spread light, enabling them to see what they are doing or where they are going. Thus people place lights on stands in the best location for them to spread their warm glow. Jesus emphasized that the disciples would continue to reflect the light of their Master, the Light of the world. They could no more hide the light than a city on a hill can hide. They must not try to conceal their light any more than one would light a lamp and then conceal it under a clay jar. Being Christ’s disciples means being distinctive. Being Christ’s disciples means spreading the light to everyone in the house-that is, everyone with whom they have contact.
Then verse 16 states, “In the same way, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” In the same way that a light shines from a lampstand, Christ’s disciples must let their light shine before others. The very reason for the existence of that light is to illuminate-helping show people what to do and where to go. How would people see this light? Through the good works of Christ’s followers. Jesus made it clear that there would not be mistaking the source of a believer’s good works. Others will see and give glory to your Father in heaven. The believer’s light shines not for himself but to reflect back to the Father and so direct people to him. In an attempt to steer clear of works for gaining righteousness, good works are often neglected in church life today. But clearly the Bible supports the importance of doing good (see Eph. 2:8-10). Good works are important not only as a witness to others but a continuation of the work Christ began on earth.
Prayer: Loving God, make us to impact others through our example. Help us not to allow the world to influence us. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Rev. Samuel N. Modise
