Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV).

REFLECT:
What is the purpose of light? Why should we as Christians take up the role, responsibility, and mandate to be light, the kind that radiates unhindered without restraint in the world we live in? And how can we effectively be this light we are meant to shine as? These are crucial questions to explore in the light of today’s Bible verse.

Light as we know is a very important and integral part of the Word of God. Its role, therefore, cannot be over-emphasized. Why is this the case? This is because it was the first thing God introduced into the world when He created it–Genesis 1:1&2. So, what is the purpose of light? The following are answers to this question:

1. Light is meant to reveal things, but first it reveals to us who God is. It makes us aware of God’s Sovereignty over all creation and helps bring us into the light of God’s truth, will, knowledge, goodness, love, compassion, and forgiveness, as opposed to what darkness represents, which is, the evil, wickedness, and chaos as presented in our Genesis 1 account. Through this account, we see the state it left the world in before the light was introduced.

2. Light acts as a guide. It guides us and helps us walk, function, and live correctly, and directs us in the right way or manner of behavior. Thus, it provides direction, clarity, and authenticity. Psalms 119: 105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”(KJV).

3. It gives us hope and encouragement to engage in life meaningfully and purposefully. Luke 17:33; John 29:31; Ecclesiastes 3:1.

4. It helps preserve God’s creation from falling into ruin, decay, disrepair, and futility.

5. It brings us as humans and the world in general into true connection with God, His purposes and will for our lives, and our existence here on earth and in eternity. (Read Ephesians 1; Romans 8: 28-30).

Given the purposes of light listed above, we must understand that as Christians we have been given the role and responsibility to act as light and to let our light shine unhindered into our world. Meaning that we are expected to bring the light of God in the different capacities and callings God has given or called us to function in. Why is this so? Our Bible verse gives us the reason, and this is so that our God who is the Father of all lights can be revealed to the world. God desires that the world sees and knows Him for who He is, a good, loving, compassionate, righteous Father, who is always willing to give good gifts to His children. (James 1: 17).

Now for us to be effective in this mission, we have to give our attention to and focus on Jesus our Lord and Savior. We must follow after Jesus, abide in Him and obey His commandments (John 8:12 and 31).

Also, we have to yield to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit leads us into places where darkness and sin seem to thrive, we will be compelled to glorify God by acting as He wants us to act, as light, through righteousness, truth, love, compassion, and forgiveness reflecting all of the purposes of light that we addressed in the initial paragraphs above.

When we align our will and associate ourselves with God who is the Father of Light and Jesus who is the Light of the World, we will be able to effectively walk in our roles and capacities as Children of the Light, reflecting and fulfilling every purpose of the Light God has called us to.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Show Me How to Radiate Your Light Lord.

FATHER GOD, I want my life to be a bright example of Your love. So please give me the courage to approach every person I meet with compassion and empathy. Show me how to live as the light you created me to be. Teach me how to radiate my light unhindered and without any restraint. Let me generously, and wholeheartedly serve others without expectations. Let my actions be marked with humility so that people can glorify Your name. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.