Illuminate the World: His Light. Our Mission.

By Pastor Javan Shashaty

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV)

There's something really cool about seeing darkness chased away by radiant light. Whether it’s a dark room filled with candles or a night sky filled with lanterns, seeing light overtake the dark can be breathtaking. 

But why is that? On the first day of creation, God separated light from darkness. And ever since then, the two have been at war with one another. This is also true about the light of Jesus Christ and the darkness of sin in the world. But that war has ended. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the darkness of sin once and for all and illuminated the world with His grace and forgiveness!

However, it can seem like the world is still a dark place sometimes. Sin still exists and brings pain and suffering to all of us. But Jesus has a plan to bring the hope of the gospel to the world. He has a strategy to illuminate the world one person at a time. And His strategy is . . . YOU! Matthew 5:14 says that you are the light of the world! If you follow Jesus, His light is already present in your life. And you are God’s plan to illuminate the world! 

But how? How can you possibly chase away the darkness that exists in the world today? Here are just three ways you can illuminate the world through the power of the gospel:

1. Show up. Jesus said you can’t take a lamp and put it under a bowl. It does no good. If you want to illuminate the world, you have to let your light shine before others. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, just your presence changes things! Ask yourself: “Am I being too safe? Where does darkness exist around me? How can I bring the light of the gospel into that dark place?”

2. Speak up. At some point, you have to speak up and share the good news of the gospel. Yes, it’s true that you must live in such a way that people see the love of Jesus. In fact, Jesus said that others will see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. But, that only happens when you let your light shine before men and bring the good news of the gospel into the darkness. Every heart needs good news. So, ask yourself: “Who in my life needs to hear the good news of the gospel? How can I speak up and tell them how much God loves them?”

3. Never give up. The best things in life are worth waiting for—and illuminating the world is no different. Many Christians feel they have to change the world in a day, but it takes time! Bringing light into darkness is a tough job. You will face discouragement, persecution, and even mental fatigue at times. But don’t give up! Jesus is right there with you, fighting alongside you. And He will give you everything you need to keep going. 

We pray this Christmas season has been one filled with the love and light of Jesus, and we pray that as you move into a new year that the Lord would bless you and equip you to be the light of the world!

LET THE LIGHT IN

Acts 2:42–47 (NIV) tells us that the early church after Jesus’ return to heaven “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship,” that all “the believers were together and had everything in common” and “sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need,” that they met “together in the temple courts” daily and “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” And as they lived this way, as the light of Jesus changed them and shone through them, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

And today, we are all still part of this story! When we are changed by the light of Jesus and live like Jesus, we see God use our light to change the lives of the people around us. 

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

Jesus called us to be a light to the world. What’s a way you can show up and show off your light?