Light of the World
Date: October 3, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Lord, help me shine as a light in this world, just as You've called me to. Guide me in spreading Your love, truth, and hope to those around me, dispelling darkness with Your light.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples about the principles of His kingdom. Jesus uses the metaphor of being "the light of the world" to convey that His followers should be a visible and positive influence in the world. Just as you can see a city on a hill from far away, Christians should stand out by living out their faith and reflecting God's light in their actions and words.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"You are the light of the world" - Jesus emphasizes that His followers should bring light and goodness to the world.
"A town built on a hill cannot be hidden" - This highlights the visibility of our actions as Christians.
"Cannot be hidden" - Indicates that when we live according to God's principles, our impact is unavoidable.
"Light" - Represents truth, righteousness, and God's presence.
S - Summarize and Share:
When Jesus tells us, "You are the light of the world," He's inviting us into a transformative mission. He's not just saying it; He means it for each one of us. It's a strong reminder that we have a unique purpose in this world—to shine His light in the darkest corners of our lives and our communities.
I've personally found this verse to be a guiding star in my journey of faith. There have been times in my life when life's challenges seemed overwhelming, and the world felt like it was covered in darkness. Those are the times that I've clung to this truth, knowing that I am called to be a bearer of God's light. It's not about being perfect or having all the answers, but rather about letting His love, grace, and truth radiate through me.
It's in our everyday actions, the kindness we show to others, the words of encouragement we offer, and the way we choose love over hate that we fulfill this calling. I've seen how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day or how sharing my faith can bring hope to a friend in need.
But I'll be honest; there have also been moments when I've hesitated, when I've let fear or self-doubt dim that light. It's in those times that I remind myself that Christ's light within me is stronger than any darkness I might face. His grace is sufficient, and His love casts out all fear.
Let's take this calling to heart. Let's shine in our workplaces, communities, and families. Let's be that city on a hill, unashamedly displaying the love and hope that Christ offers. As we do, may others be drawn to the source of our light, finding their way out of darkness and into the warmth of God's grace.
4 Bible Cross References:
Philippians 2:15 (NIV): "so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
Ephesians 5:8 (NIV): "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
John 1:5 (NIV): "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV): "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."