The Light of the World

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

-Matthew 5:14 NLT

What does it mean to be the light of the world?

I was thinking about this as I drove to work one morning. It was pitch black, and my headlights streamed one beam of light into the dark. I couldn’t see to my left or right, only what was in front of me. The entire environment I was in was dark, but I could see the path in front of me.

So often, I have heard this verse and wondered what it truly meant to be the light. As I drove, my thoughts went over what light actually does.

Light scatters darkness.

Light illuminates the path.

Light brings warmth and comfort.

Light can also burn and blind.

There is a way to be a light to the world through the lens of love.

All too often, Christians use their light to burn the ungodly and singe the unbeliever.

But, our light should be a lamp on the path. Showing others where to step.

It should be like a campfire. Bringing warmth and comfort to those cold and lost.

It should be a lighthouse. Showing those stumbling in the dark how to get home.

It should be like a candle, flickering without fail in the window of your heart. Leading others to become curious about the fire that lives inside you.

Let your light so shine before men (Matthew 5:16).

Let the truth of who God is in you, illuminate the darkness in others.

Walking with you,

Jasmine