Charles Spurgeon once remarked: “The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! ‘You are the light of the world.’”1 It is so important to understand that the world often never picks up the Bible, but they do pick up on watching how we as Christians live our lives. And that is why our testimony is often critical in opening the eyes of the blind who will never read the Bible.
While we know that Jesus is the light of the world for (John 8:12) says: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life,’” the Scriptures tell us that we too are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14-16) tells us: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our light to the world is our testimony and lifestyle and as we model Christ, we reveal and illuminate the truth about Jesus.
We live in a world of spiritual darkness and as Christ’s representatives we are the light of the world. God intends to get His word and work done through Christians and thus the church collectively, as well as each individual believer, must shine brightly for Christ if we are to scatter the darkness that keeps so many in bondage. This concept of light chasing away darkness is central to understanding Christianity.
While millions live in darkness because of ignorance to the Word, it goes much deeper than that since this darkness is often the result of evil and willful blindness. It’s only when the true light of Jesus penetrates and convicts the hardened heart that the spiritually blind will be able to see. And that’s where we as believers come in. I believe, as we live holy and consistently loving and caring lives, for all of those we come in contact with, our testimony and good works can allow (Matthew 5:16) to touch even the most darkened hearts. This special verse reads: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
So, what can we do to be light bearers for Jesus? First, we must take our testimony seriously, by living holy and blameless before the Lord. Second, we must share our faith in Christ as the Lord opens up doors for us. Simply put when we share our faith we help to spread the light of Jesus. Third, we need to take our message of faith in Christ to where it is dark. Thus, we need to take the gospel beyond the church walls to the dark corners all around us. And fourth, we need to burn out for Jesus by living a life of self-denial, which as I shared in yesterday’s devotion, The Chief End of Man, is often the pathway to abundant joy.
And oh yes, don’t forget to read and study your Bible, for the more we know the Word the more we will be able to share the light, for we read in (Psalm 119:105): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Equipping ourselves with the light of the Word will allow us to live in the light and share the true light of the world – Jesus!
1 Charles H. Spurgeon Quote: “The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world…” (quotefancy.com)
Thank you.