Shine On

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

If we seek, listen to, AND act on the Word of Christ, God calls us the light of the world.

A while back, I was speaking with a young man from Iran, and I noticed that he was reading a book about the making of movie ‘The Passion of Christ.’ I saw this as an opportunity, and asked him how he came to seek Christ, coming from a region of the world that doesn’t officially tolerate anything but Islam?

He told me that when he first came to the United States to attend the university, he stayed with an American family. Though they were Christian, they didn’t try to tell him that the religion he was raised with was wrong. But they DID welcome him into their home without reservation, they did pray together, they did study God’s Word together, an they did worship together. They did all the other things families do, as well: they argued, they disagreed, they got on each other’s nerves… but they also apologized, they forgave, and they loved… not just their own family, but those around them, too. This family planted seeds of love in this young man’s heart. They are a light in the world.

Mel Gibson is a famous personality who has certainly had his ups and downs with the press and public opinion. He felt compelled to work within his artistic medium to produce a film about the last few hours of Christ’s life, ministry, and sacrifice. This same young man has seen the film several times, and has been deeply moved, and actively seeks the presence of Christ in his life. Mel Gibson could have listened to all the people who said that the film he was driven to make didn’t make sense; either socially OR economically. Instead, he became a light in the world.

So what do an ordinary family and a famous actor have in common? Part of the answer, of course, is that each let THEIR unique light shine into the world. Another part of the answer is that each of those lights helped light the way for a young man… toward the salvation of Jesus Christ.

We are cautioned NOT to hide our light. The simple truth is that people in darkness are attracted to the Light of Christ. We are NOT told to beat people up with Scripture, or to drag them kicking and screaming into church. Christ never forced himself on anyone. Instead, He gave us a new message. He taught NOT of hate, nor of violence, nor fear, nor retribution, nor jealousy, or revenge. His message, as important today as it was during His ministry, is a simple and powerful message of love and forgiveness. His message IS the Light of the World! Have you merely only listened to His message, or have you RECEIVED the Light of the World? If you HAVE received the Light, are you hiding it, or are you letting it shine before all people? By all means, shine on!

Your brother in Christ,

Dave