Ye are the light of the world… It sounds so captivating doesn’t it? No, well meditate on these things… When you watch a movie or show of some sort you often see the protagonist of the film finally awaken the power inside them or against all odds vanquish the evil forces opposing them or others. When this occurs, how many times is this power shown as overwhelming darkness about to save the world? Yeah, kind of hard to imagine. You see time and time again how light finds its way in the darkest depths to shine bright and somehow overpower darkness. Being the inspiration and hope others needed to either join the battle or continue to persevere.
Similarly, you must let your light shine and do the same. You have a duty to show others through your day to day walk how to live a righteous life in a dark and evil world. So they may have hope and see how to do the same. How can they see how you live if they never see you?
Mark 4:21 KJVS
[21] And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Let’s put this in perspective. You wouldn’t take the time to look for a flashlight to simply turn it on and put it under your couch and leave it there would you? Likewise, when you have a candle, the point is to set it on a lamp, put it in a lantern or set it upon a candlestick, so it may shine and give light to the home or room you are in. A bushel (or large container) would hide the light greatly or omit it all together, reducing one’s ability to see the light, let alone the room clearly.
Matthew 5:14 KJVS
[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Imagine the light of the world hidden under a rock? What good would that do anyone? How effectively will that light be in radiating and shining to the world? And to what value then is the light? Although it burns, who can abide the warmth thereof? Although it shines, who can abide the light thereof? It’s light is made null and void. For the darkness has consumed it. And the light considers it not. Take even the sun for example. Does not the sight of it both captivate and overwhelm the naked eye? Its light illuminates farther than the eye can see and the depths of its heat cannot be searched out. Yet, when it is gone there is only darkness, and cold quickly ensues. But what then would it be if the sun were risen yet blocked by an everlasting eclipse or even thick clouds? Would it then still give us its warmth or its light? How when neither can reach us? So too is it with ones light hidden away. For who can behold its glory? For as one that speaks in an unknown tongue only edifies himself, so too is the matter for one that hides their light. For the onlooker can see no glory and can be altogether as if the light does not even exist. For all they know are the clouds and darkness they are accustom too. Unaware of the light and the blessing it holds. For what if the sun for fear said, “I should stay hidden. If I shine I might blind them, or if I give warmth I might burn them.” Not knowing the power it has to control both and the ability the inhabitants of the earth have to adapt.
Now liken that light to a city. The more elevated a city is, the harder it is for it to be hidden. So naturally it is revealed and easier to see. To the city itself, it may worry about what if bandits, robbers, or armies come to plunder its goods. So it may build bigger walls, or plant more trees to hide its presence. But for the wayfaring traveler that city can be a beacon of hope. A place of refuge and safe passage. It could mean a meal, maybe more supplies; a good bath, new clothes; warm clothes. A seemingly endless supply of resources, or a wealth of knowledge. Of course results vary, city by city. But the reality of a city is that is has some order, it has some foundation set and built that usually a wayfaring man or woman is looking for or is in need of.
Matthew 5:15 KJVS
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
You have to honestly assess yourself and see are you letting your light shine before men in all things? Or do you rather choose to blend in with “man” and be at one with their darkness? Nay, to be at one with the world is to be against the Most High. Is fear, rejection, or some other spirit not of God holding you back? Do you let the thoughts or feelings of others hinder you from applying the word and being a public example? Would you rob God of his glory through you?
2 Timothy 1:7-9 KJVS
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. [8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; [9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
The Most High God did not give us the spirit of fear to hold us back from serving him in word or in deed. It is with great boldness we speak the word of God without fear, knowing the world, walking contrary to God, will speak the words of Satan boldly and without fear. We have the power in us to overcome all obstacles through his love and soundness of mind and show others to do the same. Don’t be ashamed of showing the people around you that you serve the living God. The world has no shame in professing their sins. If your family will happily text you or call you to say Merry Christmas you should be happy to call or text them Happy Feast of Dedication. If the world will profess harlotry you profess virtue. If the world will profess hatred toward God, you then must profess his love. It should be with great joy and honor that you apply these laws and do so openly. Knowing it is for the sake of the gospel and Gods glory that you do it.
Mark 8:38 KJVS
[38] Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
God and Christ understand this world is wicked and walks contrary to him. But here is the thing, if you say God is your friend. What friend do you have and love that when others are talking bad about you, they remain silent, or rather go so far as to agree and begin to cast in their two cents and speak against you as well? Would you not then “unfriend” that friend and reject them? How much more will the Most High do to you if you do not stand on HIS square (let alone your square) as HIS child or HIS friend and defend HIM. What glory will you then have in heaven if you do contrary? I tell you, God will give more glory to the rock you stand on, than you, if you don’t repent.
Mark 8:35 KJVS
[35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
This world and every social and economic status you could obtain here is vain and is for only that, HERE, temporary. This life will fade and you will have an eternal one that will carry your everlasting name and deeds. Need that be honor or shame. You have many people that may give some lip service in the form of praise. But don’t let that lip service be only around fellow law keepers, let it also be around those who walk contrary as well. Then are your words truly honored. Don’t be deceived thinking if you remain quite you will be spared, or saved. Yes, use wisdom, but if and when the time arises, guide your words accordingly and give answer. Lest putting the care of your job, or the relationship of a friend or family member above the Most High, which for a season will work but it will fail and come to nought in due time because you are bending your ways to seek love.
Colossians 4:5-6 KJVS
[5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Learn the art of walking in wisdom, understanding those without are of the contrary nature. We are not commanded to be quite but rather be wise. You must learn and practice the art of knowing how to speak and give answer to everyone. Don’t think you can package something any kind of way and then throw it at peoples feet and believe they should take it just because its something good.
Mark 8:34 KJVS
[34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
You must put yourself in mind to overcome your own feelings, your own desires, your own self-interest and move in a way that is worthy of the vocation you are called into. You have to carry the weight of rejection and affliction and still serve the Most High with a smile. In addition, to carrying the weight or load of anything that is not conducive to your spiritual growth that you may have to remove out of your path lest to disrupt your spiritual journey.
1 Peter 2:21 KJVS
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Christ endured a lot in a short time. Although his time was short, his impact was powerful. But he labored to be an example as commanded by the father for us; for our benefit.
Proverbs 6:23 KJVS
[23] For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
You should be a walking, living, breathing example of righteousness in all you do. Even if you aren’t there yet, keep fighting to get there. Keep fighting to be better and do better.
Matthew 5:16 KJVS
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
From social media, to your job, to being at the gym, and everything else in-between, fight to be an example of what the law and the wisdom of the scriptures teach.
Furthermore, remember that If I am a source of light (which we all are or should be) I stand a better chance of shining brighter surrounded by more light. And the more light we attract the brighter we become. This is the strength of a body; need it be small or large.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 KJVS
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
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