The Light of the World

Title: The Light of the World

Text: Matthew 5:14

Introduction

Right after beatitudes (v. 1-12), Jesus elaborated its meaning. Here we can see in verse 13, Jesus started comparing his followers to be a salt, and then to be the light. These were called simile. A comparison where a person is perceived as the thing compared. But what we will be focusing on are the uses of light.

Uses of Light

1. To be a light in the dark – enabling other people see the truth. Obviously, the main use of light is to be a light in dark places. This means that a light is purposefully intended to enable us to see in the midst of darkness (v. 15).

To be the light of the world is also the same thing. We are to become a light in this dark world, enabling other people see the truths about God. It is simply allowing other people see that there is a God in our lives. Verse 15 is very clear in saying that a light should light the whole house. This will enable the people inside the house to freely move.

Sometimes, even if we are Christians, instead of becoming a light we become the darkness of the house. Sometimes, we still live in darkness like all other people. This is why there are some people who do not believe in what we profess because there is almost no difference with them and us. We are still engage in worldly things. We still want to have a shot of wine because “it is a good medicine”. The fact is, we were known to be non-alcoholic drinkers. And once we do it we will be perceived as one of them. What testimony then can you give them?

Light brings freedom and unlimited movement. If we stay in the dark, it’s like we were prisoners. Our movements are very limited.

2. To be a guide – this is becoming a good example and leading people to Christ. Teaching other people to live righteously by becoming a good example. I would say this is one of the main uses of light. The light is a guide to almost all people.

Imagine yourself travelling at the sea. What do you think will be your guide? Obviously, it is the light coming from the lighthouse. As a fisherman, this is one of the most crucial things that we must learn. We must learn where to look for the light. Our first guide is the Lighthouse and the second are the stars which is one of those lights that can be guide.

Becoming a light of the world also means becoming a guide. Meaning, we have to lead those lost people to come before the Lord. This means that we have to become good example in living righteously. We are supposed to lead the people in the right direction.

In contrast to this, there are lots of incidents now that instead of becoming the light of the lighthouse or the light of the stars, we tend to become the light of disco houses and bars. This is why we can see some Christians still living in worldliness. Instead of becoming a guide, they become stumbling blocks. We are supposed to emit light, but sometimes we do not emit anything for we are still living in a world of darkness.

One of the main problems of Christian living is consistency. Many of us in one way or another have been very inconsistent to what we have learned. Sometimes we forget what we have learned because of rebellion, sometimes because of jealousy, sometimes because we are unsubmissive, and the Bible teaches us that consistency.

Ephesians 4:14 says: 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Sometimes we are still infants and not growing. Is this because of immaturity? To become a light, there should be consistency of that light. Just imagine if the lighthouses will just don’t work? Or the sun stops emitting light? What would happen to us?

Proverbs 4:18 18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

3. To become a security – to guard the faith of others. We will be able to guard other believers against false teachings if we have that light.

The main use of street lights is to guard dark streets. Even in the house, we put lights outside the house so that scum will not attempt to rob us. Do you wonder why rich people put some lights in their fences? This is for security purposes. If ever someone will try to attempt to cross the fence, other people will be able to see them. It is mainly for protection purposes.

In the Christian world, we are supposed to become the defenders of the faith. Meaning we will be guarding our fellow believers especially the new ones against false teachings. We are supposed to disciple them and re-strengthen their faith. However, because of our laziness, instead of becoming a security, we are the one who turn out to be the scum, becoming false teachers. We teach young Christians to live in the world by example. Instead of guiding them to light, we guide them to darkness.

Philippians 2:14-15

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

4. To become a beauty – Antipolo city is not only famous because of its yearly pilgrimage but also because of its “over looking”. I believe some of us have been there. What you can see in the over looking view is Manila. During night time, Manila is very beautiful because of its light. Light indeed makes the place beautiful.

We also have the Christmas lights and lanterns during Christmas. They use lights in order to add beauty. Just imagine a Christmas season without seeing a light? It’s dull and very sad. And even inside the house. Long time ago, castles use chandeliers are very luxurious in a way so that it may add beauty to the hall. Light gives a good atmosphere inside the castle.

It is completely the same in our Christian lives. Our lives should add to the beauty in the spiritual world. But because of conflicts, misunderstanding, and rebellious hearts, we became like those dead Christmas lights. It was placed to add beauty but has no use at all.

Brothers and sisters, how many of us have been bad examples of what we profess? Becoming a true light is never an easy task. But it is what God wants us to be. Where do you stand now?