Simply the Bible Blog

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

What is the purpose of a lamp? It is to shine light wherever it is placed. If there were no darkness, then we wouldn’t need a lamp. Lamps are made for the darkness.

God reveals truth to us so that we can enlighten others. He shines the light on us so that we can see where we’re going and help others find the Way. Primarily, this comes through His Word, which is His revelation of truth.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

When we have received and assimilated His Word, then it becomes part of us. We actually become the light we receive. That is why Jesus says:

“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

But not everyone wants to receive this light. Jesus also says:

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:19–20)

Here is our dilemma: we who have received Jesus Christ have received the Light of the world. Through the revelation of His Word, we also become that light. As lamps, we have been made to shine in the darkness. But many will not come into the light. They have grown accustom to the darkness and even love the darkness and are afraid to come into the light. When that happens, it is our works (not our words) that will shine through the darkness. I believe that this is why Jesus tells us to let our light so shine before others that they will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. People can argue with our words, but they can’t argue with our good works. They are a testimony beyond debate.

May God help us to let the light within us shine brightly in the darkness. And may that light be manifested through our acts of love so that God may be glorified!