LIGHT IN THE WORLD

“…in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as LIGHTS IN THE WORLD” – Philippians 2:15b

In Christ, I am LIGHT in the WORLD: “That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as LIGHTS IN THE WORLD, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” (Phil.2:15-16). The Believer’s Identity as Light is proof that faith is not in vain. The metaphor of Light is often juxtaposed with darkness, to contrast knowledge and ignorance. Light illuminates. The world is “in the dark” about God, but Christians turn on the lights for all to see!

The Lord Jesus said of Himself: “I am the LIGHT of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of LIFE… I have come as a LIGHT into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (Jh. 8:12; 12:46). Jesus came to reveal God in His Fullness. In a dark world, that revelation was like a piercing bright light! He then expressed the Father’s Will for believers to become Light and Sons of Light in the world: “You are the LIGHT of the world” (Mt.5:14a); “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (Jh.12:36).

Isaiah prophesied of a season when God’s people will not only receive and reflect His Light, but have it become ours: “Arise, shine; for YOUR LIGHT has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to YOUR LIGHT, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isa.60: 1-3). The Psalmist buttresses this: “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa.36:9). Being the light of the world is simply perpetuating the purpose for which Jesus came: “That was the TRUE LIGHT which gives light to every man coming into the world…” (Jh.1:9).

Jesus lived as the LIGHT of the world: “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor.4:6). On ascending to Heaven, He left us to: “shine as LIGHTS in the world” (v.15b). Light is never meant to be boxed-in. Light illuminates and enlightens. But just as salt can lose its saltiness when Christians become ineffective in their witness due to loss of purity, light can become ineffective by being hidden! Light is meant to be seen and to allow people to see.

Jesus uses two examples – city and lamp – to demonstrate the effectiveness of light. Ancient Cities were typically built on top of hills, to be seen from afar: “…A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Mt.15:14b). The purpose of lighting a lamp was for everyone to see: “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Mt.5:15). To cover a lamp is to defeat its purpose. We must be visible witnesses for Christ: “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt.5:16). We must visibly display God’s Goodness, for His Glory (1Pet.2:12).

I am a CHILD of LIGHT (Eph.5:8). I will increasingly shine brighter and brighter (Pro.4:18). I have tremendous value. I am radically different from the world! I am like a lighted candle stick illuminating all around me. I am like a City set on a hill that cannot be hid. My light shines brilliantly before all humanity, such that they see my godly achievements, exemplary life, good success, and all-round prosperity, and glorify my Father in heaven. My Life is as outstanding and revealing as light!