“Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop?” Matthew 5:14 TPT
The Bible calls us children of light and as such, we must display characteristics of this light in our lives. One of such characteristics is distinction. It is defined as “excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.” This is quite profound. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Also, the Bible often used light as a symbol for uprightness, and darkness as a symbol for sin or immorality. For instance, in Ephesians 5:8, Paul’s says:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 NKJV)
From verse two to five, he listed the attributes of darkness and said we were once darkness, then he continued by making a distinction between who we were and who we are now. He said “BUT NOW YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE LORD!” And because we are light in the Lord, we must walk as children of light. That is, there are some traits that are expected to be seen in us because we are children of light.
If truly we are light, it must show because light dispels darkness. The people of the world should not struggle to find out that we are children of God. It is true that moral excellence is not a criterion for salvation, but a fruit of it. Yet, we should not hide our light in the world.
As children of God, we must distinguish ourselves in terms of moral excellence. We are to shine as light in this crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:14-15). The people of the world should see excellence in us so much that it is recognisable from a distance that we are a different breed.
Have you ever struggled to see a city on a hill before? No! It is so obvious that everyone can see it. Do not say you are a child of light and act in a contrary manner.
Do not envy the people of the world (Proverbs 23:17). Your job is to change the world and you cannot do so if you love the world. Stop telling lies. Stop speaking carelessly. By the words you speak, people should know that you are different. Do not be the reason someone blasphemes God. Let God receive glory and glory alone on your account this year.
CONFESSION:
I am the light of the world. I am a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. In my actions and in my words, I shine as light. In this year and beyond, God receives the glory over my life.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:25-37, 1Thessalonians 4:1-10, Psalms 140, 2 Chronicles 6-7