Jesus called his disciples the "light of the world". A light is something bright and clearly visible. As ambassadors for Christ, do our actions accurately reflect our Saviour? In simple terms - Do we practise what we preach?
Lights of the world
Light is an attribute of both God and Jesus Christ. Jesus used light to exhort his disciples. During his sermon on the Mount he said "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 lamp stand, 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 haven." - Matthew 5:14-16.
We present day disciples of Christ also need to take this exhortation seriously. We, true followers are to be a light to the world. Christ links light with an instruction to produce good work, which is evident to others and will bring glory to God.
Matthew 6:23 - "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Luke 11:35 - "Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness."
The warning in these two scriptures in quite clear - any light shining out of us must be the true light of God, not darkness which comes from the devil. Darkness happens when our actions do not match our words. We may profess to a certain behaviour or thought to others but then do the exact opposite ourselves which is blatant hypocrisy!
For many of us, the place where we most need to be lights is in our workplace. A classic example would be a scenario set in December. A colleague who knows you are a Christian asks you why we celebrate Christmas. We reply from a biblical stance, as comes natural to us. The colleague at that point is perhaps in awe of our dedication and faith. But later on at the work party we are seen sharing dirty jokes and using foul language. People present would make an accurate assumption that we are hypocrites. To honour God and give out His light, our behaviour, speech and actions must reflect what we believe. We absolutely must practise what we preach. Taking care with these aspects of our behaviour, ensuring that our light is the light of God will ensure that we don't bring shame on his holy name.
Our light is not our own
As humans, we have no light of our own, the light we radiate comes from God. Our Creator works in us. He works in our hearts and minds if we allow him to. We must be proactive in putting in effort to obey God and seek to live according to his will.
When we follow God's guidance in how we live, we are showing others that God has devised the best way of life, the only way that works. In this way, we are reflecting the light of God, His light and His glory and bringing honour to him.
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