LIGHT FOR THE IMPACTFUL LIFE

“Let your LIGHT so shine before men, that they may see your GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” – Matthew 5:16

Our Lord Jesus Christ used three significant imageries to illustrate LIGHT for the IMPACTFUL LIFE: “You are the SALT of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the LIGHT of the world. A CITY that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Mt.5: 13-14). SALT, LIGHT and CITY are great Agents of Impact, with properties which phenomenally affect things around them. Likewise, every Believer in Christ is called by God to be an Agent of Positive Influence and Impact on the world around. Earlier, Jesus had assured His disciples that He would make them fishers of men (Mt.4:19). Then, in the Sermon on the Mount, He presented the Beatitudes (vv.3-12), followed by these illustrations of Salt, Light, and a City on a hill.

Impact can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive! Positive Impact implies being: exemplary and unique; a plus not a minus; a producer, not a parasite; a contributor, not a detractor; an asset, not a liability; and a provider, not a pest. However, the impactful life is not merely about accumulating material things: “For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Lk.12:15b). Impact is not an overblown ego, celebrity status or “hollow” heroism. It is not about fame, fortune, popularity, greatness and grandeur. Impact can be silent, subtle, serene, and gracious; not necessarily brash or forceful. Impact is a product of Purpose, Preparation and Pursuit. It begins with discovering life’s purpose! People of remarkable impact in life are people of purpose; people of “this ONE THING” (Phil.3:13).

As human beings, made in the Image of God, we were created and born to be Persons of Positive Impact. As Believers in Christ, we were redeemed to manifest temporal and eternal Impact! Salvation is our seal of distinction. Redemption is our guarantee for the Impactful Life. God needed only one Person – His Son – to make an impact in the world. Jesus needed only twelve men to perpetuate His mission. Likewise, the quantity of salt is not the issue. A little salt makes great impact! However small it may be, the impact of salt is unstoppable. Its savour is unique, and cannot be lost to other substances. It dominates its surroundings. Salt sweetens, preserves food from decay, and induces thirst.

Light is also impactful in unique ways. Light cannot be boxed-in. Light attracts attention, enlightens, illuminates, liberates from darkness, enlivens, and lifts souls from depression. Isaiah prophesied: “Arise, shine; for your Light is come!” (Isa.60:1-3). To be a light means to be a witness to the truth of God's Word (Eph.5:8). True Impact transcend locations and generations! It’s time we Step Out to Stand Out! It’s our Season to season the earth and illuminate our world.