“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”~ Mathew 5:14-15.

Our anchor scripture above is one that many of us are familiar with: we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. But beyond merely reciting these verses, how many Christians actually live their lives as the light of the world?

When we look at the state of our world today, we realize that Christians are definitely not shining as the light of the world. This explains why there is so much darkness in the world today.

According to statistics, over 2.3 billion individuals identify as Christians, although this figure is likely an underestimate since many Christians are not accounted for.

Yet, in a world with such a large number of Christians, we still see basic moral standards declining sharply. This simply tells us that Christians are not shining as light.

Many have kept their lamps hidden under a bushel.

This means that, aside from Sundays and worship days, many people do not carry their identity as Christians into the world. Many are Christians only in the presence of other believers, and it is evident because the life of Christ is not reflected through their actions.

How is this so, you may ask? It starts with a simple check: how many of us represent Christ in our workplaces? How many of us shine the light of Christ through our businesses, the work of our hands, or in our communities?

You don’t need to think deeply to realize that only a few shine the light of Christ everywhere they go. Yet it is expected that we all carry the light wherever we go, that others may see our “good works” and glorify our Father in heaven.

We will end today with this question: Is my light shining bright, or is it hidden under a bushel?

Prayer: Father, please help me represent you boldly.