How Can I Make a Difference in the World?Sample

Like A City On A Hilltop..

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matt‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s just focus on verse 14 today.

“You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

Have you ever been driving between towns at night and seen the lights in the distance? It’s dark all around you but the lights of community are getting closer and closer. Jesus is saying that our lives are meant to be like that city of lights for people in a dark world.

I have often heard people talk about how the darker this world gets the harder it is to keep shining the light of Jesus. But this has never made any sense to me.

Imagine with me, you’re in a room and the lights go out. It’s so dark that you can’t see your hands in front of you. Now pull out your phone and just tap your screen on - not your torch, just the screen. The room is so dark that even just the screen of your phone gives enough light to make your way to the door.

Why do we think that the darker this place gets the harder it is to shine? The darker this world, the easier it is to stand out brightly. I actually think it’s harder to stand out, with my little light, when the room is already fully bright.

When I’m in a bright, light filled space, I don’t have to worry about trying to be brighter than the believers next to me. I can just be happy that we are lights shining together.

So, the next time you find yourself in a dark situation don’t “try” to be brighter, just let it be obvious that Jesus (the Light) is in you!

Prayer:

God You are light and in You there is no darkness at all. Help me to not be afraid of the darkness or intimidated by the world around me. Help me to rely on You and allow Your love and light to flow freely from my life. Amen.

Discussion Question:

What do you find most challenging about being in dark situations (the world)?