Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Greg told his parents to allow him to get to school early every single day, but for some reason, he never explained why this was vital. Greg’s dad made sure he was at school every morning at 7:00 am. Unfortunately, their school bus had an accident a year later, and Greg was the only casualty. Many Students came to Greg’s home to give their condolences. It is after his funeral that the parents finally found out why he went to school early. Each morning Greg and a few of his friends gathered by the school gates to greet the other students with a smile, a wave and a kind word. It made all the other students, popular or otherwise, feel welcome and accepted.
Greg was a believer, and he enjoyed going to bible camps. And as a result of his relationship with Christ, he had led other students to share their joy in Christ with others who desperately needed it. This is a beautiful example of what shining our light means. The German philosopher Nietzsche said that he would become a believer if he saw more redeemed people. Human beings are social creatures, and we thrive on social credibility. Research shows that 60% of the Christian population met Jesus through friendship.
Our Lifestyle
The Christian life is a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. We have not only received light, but also we are light and transmitters of the same. A Christian represents God in their place of work, in the golf course, in school, or church. We must live our lives in such a way that we are the light that shines to the whole world. What are some of the ways we can shine the light of Christ? Our clothing, language, prayers, money, music and worship. Every bit of our lifestyle should glorify God and cause others to do the same (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Put On Christ
The bible tells us to put on the armour of light by clothing ourselves with the Lord (Romans 13:12-14). In our text, Jesus is telling us to live consumed by what others think of the God in us. We are to live so that when people see our lives, hear our words and observe our works; they do not see us but rather give God the glory. There are people in our lives who will never walk to church and sit for a service; they will never find light anywhere else apart from watching us. Our lives must be able to rebuke and correct and encourage and edify those looking at us.(2 Corinthians 3:2). If we are conscious of our identity as light, it will change our motives and relationships in every sphere of our lives.
To be a light in the world, we must know Jesus. We must also intentionally live as men and women of integrity and virtue (Proverbs 20:7). This means striving to live by the standards of Christ through his sufficient grace. If people looked at your actions today, would they glorify God for you?
King James Version (KJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
New International Version (NIV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.”