“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”  – Matthew 5:14-15

Notes:

In the passage above, the purpose of light is twofold.  First, it is directional, and secondly, it exposes.  A ship that comes into the bay in the darkness of the night is given direction through a lighthouse, but at the same time, also sees the rocks and storms nearby, which are revealed by the light.  So often however the lighthouse workers must clean the outer glass of the station, so that the light can be made more visible.  The light of Christ which dwells in us cannot be brought forth unless the outer shell and window of our mind, will, and emotions are broken, transparent, and clean.  While this is not an easy process, and the price to pay for it is vast, the benefits and true value of it outweighs the costs.  The accountant who works with integrity and honesty, the husband who loves his wife as Christ loved the church, the successful businessman who lives with frugality, humility, and generosity, or the college student who withstands from the whirlwind of the carnal sins surrounding him, all pay high prices, but the benefit is the glory of the Lord shining through them, in them, and upon them, for a testimony and a witness that Christ has risen from the dead.

Willing to Take the Challenge?

Jesus said that if a grain of wheat falls to the earth and ‘dies’, it will bring forth much fruit.  The grain ‘dies’ when the outer shell becomes broken, allowing that which is on the inside to break forth, and come to life.  Our souls (mind and hearts) must become broken and surrendered unto the Lord so that His life and Spirit can be manifested through our spirits.  We must die to self, and live for Christ.  As it is written by the prophet Isaiah “is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter
 when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh? Then your light will break forth like the dawn…”