IMPACT AS LIGHT (2)

“And are confident that you yourself are a GUIDE to the blind, a LIGHT to those who are in darkness” – Romans 2:19

Like Israel of old, but now being led by the Holy Spirit, Believers are called to give Guiding IMPACT as LIGHT: “And are confident that you yourself are a GUIDE to the blind, a LIGHT to those who are in darkness” (Rom.2:19). In this passage, Paul critiqued the self-righteous mentality of the Jews who believed they were inherently superior due to their knowledge of the law and status as God’s chosen people. This created a false sense of security, leading them to view themselves as guides to the spiritually blind without recognizing their own moral failures. The expectation was that, having received the law, they were indebted to not only teach others but also live by its precepts. Isaiah 49:6b echoed this: “I will also give You as a LIGHT to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth’”  

The essence of this call was not just to teach the law, but to truly live out its principles, effectively shining the light of God’s Truth in a world filled with darkness. This underscores the necessity of authentic faith expressed through positively impactful actions. Those who claim to enlighten others must also reflect that light in their own lives. This is where the Faith of Believers in Christ becomes relevant. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” The privilege of being led by the Holy Spirit must translate into the responsibility to lead others. We are challenged to recognize our role as “the Light of the world” (Mt.5:14). We are not meant to passively preach our faith, but to actively practice and share it with those that are within our circles and spheres of influence.

Believers in Christ should act as beacons of faith, hope, and love and disseminators of Truth to those who are spiritually blind and lost, essentially being a “guide to the blind” and a “light to those in darkness.” These highlight the responsibility to illuminate the path for others through our actions and faith, not just through words alone. Our actions and words have the potential to either guide people towards God or lead them then further away. We should be guiding lights in our neighbourhoods. communities, and society at large; hence we must actively work in all aspects of our lives to become better examples of Christ’s love. We must endeavour to live authentically as followers of Christ, and intentionally use our gifts and influence to bring light to those around us who are struggling in the darkness of confusion.

While the imagery of “guiding light” is profound, it should also be a reminder to constantly examine our own lives to ensure we are truly living according to the values we are trying to share. Believers as Jews inwardly, are called to be guiding lights (v.29).