Matthew 5:14-16, English Standard Version

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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.”

What does it mean to be the light of the world? Recently, I was once again blessed to be inspired by the Lord.

Beginning in November, I started teaching another ALL IN for Christ class on Tuesday evenings. The attendees of the class are a group of women who work and also struggle in different aspects of their lives. Several of them are bound by an old mindset and are now in the progress of understanding how the truth can set them free. Because of their working schedule, the class starts late and by the time it is finished it is already totally dark outside.

Two weeks ago, as one of the ladies was driving me home, snow was coming down all around us. Under the circumstance of total darkness and snow we couldn’t see anything on the road. The friend who was driving tried very hard to pay attention to the yellow line in the middle of the two lanes. She hoped at least not to drive toward any car that was coming our way. Instead of our normal casual chatting, we were keeping our eyes on the road and reminding ourselves that Jesus knew what was happening and He was there.

Suddenly, we saw a bright light in the other lane. It became brighter as it came closer. It was the headlights of a car driving in the other lane towards us. It happened every time when there was a vehicle driving in the opposite direction of us. I noticed that when the lights were shining, we could see the whole area clearly without any issue. Then a scripture came to my mind, and I shared with my friend, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5, NIV)

The headlights of the cars could not be hidden by the darkness, and in the same way, we are called to let our light shine before others so that they may see!

There are many people out there who are lost. There are many who are hopeless, angry, detached, and believe they are unloved and unworthy. They are following a path that leads them to destruction, yet, they have no idea of it. The darkness is overwhelming them, both in their mind and around them. They do not know there is another option because they have been deceived that Jesus is only a figure, and they believe that those who follow Him are naïve or even worse, a hater. My dear brothers and sisters, do you recognize that they cannot see because they are living in total darkness of the mind? Remember, you are fighting against evil forces, not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:10-17) See clearly who the enemy is! Then, stand firm and shine so the other can see, just as you do, clearly see who the real enemy is.

Let your light shine before others so they can turn from the way that they are going and follow the one true Way!