Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our church theme for 2011 is Let Your Light So Shine. It is a tremendous challenge to every Christian. Let’s study it together…
Our light is to shine “before men.” We are to shine in a dark place. “Men” here speaks of the world. The world is in darkness because of sin. They need light! And God’s people have that light and need to shine! We are to shine brightly in the world because that is where our light is needed most. We are called to shine in a dangerous place. It is dangerous because the Bible says in John 3:20, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” And in Proverbs 29:27, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” Just as we would be unpleasant toward someone shinning a bright light in our eyes first thing in the morning, when God’s light shines into the darkness of this world it often upsets people.
Our purpose is twofold. We are first to enlighten. “…that they may see your good works…” The Christian’s shining so people can see their good works is not seeking the praise of men as the Pharisees did in Jesus’ day… Matthew 23:5, “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,” But it is done to show men what goodness and character are! How else are they supposed to know?! Our lives should be lights to show a better way of living! The world is in the dark! They do not know right from wrong. Secondly, we should shine to exalt our Savior! The primary purpose is to glorify God! 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” We must shine to exalt! The world dishonors God. The world needs to see Him exalted!
I recently shared with my niece who is a junior in high school, my biggest regret from my teen years. I was blessed with a mom and dad that expected a lot from me. Due to their tremendous training, I was able to finish school without ever missing a day. I also had straight A’s and no demerits all the way through. So, what do I regret?… I set high goals, and was blessed to reach them. Yet as I look back, I wish I would have taken the time to influence those around me to do the same. You only get so many chances to shed your light upon those you come into contact with. Shed your light as brightly as you can, and brighten as many lives around you as possible.
