Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
What Is It about light?
Why would Jesus say that we are the light of the world? What is it about light that is so good? For one thing, the light shines into the darkness of this world, and men and women who haven’t yet repented and trusted in the Savior love the darkness because their deeds are evil and they don’t want their sins to be seen by others (John 3:19). The light shines into the darkness, and even the darkness cannot overcome the light (John 1:5). This is why Jesus is referred to as the light of the world (John 1:7, 9). In similar fashion, Christians are to be lights in a dark world, to shine forth the true source of light, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus referred to Himself as the light of the world, and whoever would follow Him would no longer walk in the darkness but have everlasting light (John 8:12).
Reflecting His Light
Jesus tells believers that they are to let their light shine before others so that they might see Christ in us, Who is the source of light. We have no light source within ourselves. Just as the moon has no source of light but only reflects the light of the sun, so too must believers reflect the light of Christ so that others might see the beauty of the source of that light: Jesus Christ. Can the moon brag about her beauty? No, the moon has no light source. The moon is beautiful at night; however, its beauty is not its own beauty but a reflection of the beauty of the sun, and that light should be reflected in Christians, which is shone upon them by Christ Himself. We are to let our light shine in order that those who are not yet saved can see our “good works” and that our source of these good works is not in us (Eph 2:8-9) but originates from God.
For His Glory
We are only humble servants who have no light source, but when we reflect and shine the light that has been given to us by God, then others can glorify God. We have no reason to boast except in Christ (Eph 2:9). Jesus says that we are to let our light shine in order that people can see our good works and that by our good works they can glorify God. We have no reason to glory about anything, for all we have is from God, and to Him alone goes the glory. God says that He will not share His glory with anyone (Isaiah 42:8), and why should He? He alone is worthy to be praised (Psalm 96:4; 145:3). If our light is hidden, like under a basket, no one can see it, but if it’s put on a stand for all to see (Matt 5:15), then God can be more glorified, and nothing else matters except the glory of God.
A Closing Prayer
Great God in heaven, You are the true source of light, and I have no such source of light, only darkness. The only thing I can boast about is your amazing grace. I need to shine Your light into a darkened world that is dying apart from knowing You. Please help me to shine Your light before others so that You and You alone may be glorified, and in Jesus Christ’s name I pray.
Amen
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