You Are Called to Shine | Isaac Stanhope

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. — Matthew 5: 14-16

Matthew 5:14 tends to be read but never fully understood. It’s one of those verses that is repeated and memorised but not actually properly thought about. As Christians, Jesus is telling (not asking) us that each and every one is us is to be a light of the world.

The Purpose of a light is to combat darkness which is simply the absence of light and darkness is very much present in a world that wants to reject God. The darkness is made up of sin, condemnation and anything that opposes the will of God. We are called to shine the light of the gospel through our actions and character so that every dark area of the earth will be lit up. Through good deeds, God’s love and truth can radiate from us.

Verse 15 tells us not to cover up our light, not to ignore the gospel or hide the fact that we are Christians but to put it on a stand for all to see. It doesn’t say to be a light for Church or home but not elsewhere and it doesn’t say to only be a light for just a few friends. Verse 16 tells us we are to be a light for all to see. ALL. Regardless. Everyone needs salvation.

It may seem difficult to out of anxiety or fear of rejection but as Matthew 16:26 says, “what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” God is much greater than we are and there is no good reason why we shouldn’t want to shine a light. After all, we are to be lights through the authority of God, not on our own authority.

YOU are called to be shine though our actions to reach out to EVERYONE.