How Low Will You Go

Day 3 - Light

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

I love flying across the United States at night. As you look out the windows, especially over the Midwest, you see nothing but huge expanses of vast darkness. Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, you see a city glowing brightly in the distance. You can’t hide it. It sits there as an undeniable reference point on the horizon.

In many ways, I think this is what Jesus meant when He said that we are to be the light of the world. He doesn’t want us to hide our light under a basket when the whole world is in the dark. Instead we should be as noticeable as a city shining brightly in the night. The world can’t see Jesus or begin to grasp His love for them. They are fumbling around in the dark, trying to unlock the purpose and meaning of life. They are trying to navigate their way through the dark without many undeniable reference points.

So, how can we become those undeniable shining points of reference that point people to Jesus? How can we be cities set on a hill? First, notice that Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The light that Jesus is speaking of here refers to our good works. We are to let our good works shine in such a way that people give glory to the Father. I believe that the way in which we let our good works shine is to do them in the name of Jesus. You see it’s not enough to just do good works. If all we do are good works, then we are just like Peace Corps, Social Security, or the Welfare Department. We do nothing to help people see Jesus more clearly.

Jesus is the light of the world and unless we point people to Him we are not giving them any real light. We can be a disco ball of activity that is entertaining to look at, but does nothing to show people the reality of Jesus’ love. As you do good things to help and bless people, let them see Jesus in everything.

Remember, being light is about helping people see the reality of Jesus’ love for them.

Challenge: Plan to volunteer at one of our homeless feedings. Contact Pastor Tim Neisler to schedule a visit. As people ask you why you are doing this, tell them it is because Jesus wants them to know that He cares about them.

Has God done something in and through you as a result of this devotional? Tell us your story today! www.sdrock.com/mystory