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)
One piece of advice I have heard Nigerian parents give their children, friends to their friends, and colleagues to their colleagues is to shine your eyes. – wake up, look at what’s happening! In the real sense, the Word of God instructs us rather to shine our lights. It is in shining your light that you create impact and make a mark around you. It is not time to complain and describe the darkness that has enveloped the world but to turn on the light inside of you.
Our opening verse says to shine your light before men. It will mean there’s already light in you for Jesus to place that responsibility on the believer. John the Baptist, speaking about Jesus, said, “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9). No one encounters Jesus and walks in darkness. There is a light the believer in Christ was born with when he got born again. This light produces good works, attracts men to Jesus, and brings glory to the Father. If your friends are constantly asking for your advice, it’s an indicator they have seen the light in you.
Where exactly did this light come from? Apostle John answered that question when he said, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4-5). We live in a world desperately needing direction; make a conscious decision to shine the light that’s already in you. Believers appear to only shine their lights in the church, but Jesus’ instruction was that the light should be shone outside the church—before men. Let your character reflect Jesus in you. It is not time to conform to the system of the world but to be an example.
CONFESSION
I am the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. I am manifesting the wisdom of God to my generation; through me, the Lord is glorified.
