Be the Difference. Be the Light.

Daily Devotional: Day 45

“Ye are the light of the world . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, KJV).

The above Scripture is from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. Notice that Jesus doesn’t say that we’re the world. This means there’s the world, and there’s us. That’s an important distinction. The world without Jesus is a world in darkness. When, through faith in the finished work of Jesus, we become born again, we’re made children of light (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). As children of light, we’ve become – like Jesus – the light of the world (Read John 8:12). When Jesus calls us the light of the world, he’s basically saying that he has given us full authority and ability to be and to function like him in this world. That’s an amazing privilege and awesome power given to us! This means you don’t need permission to shine. You have the full backing of Jesus to go out and shine for God’s glory. Shine through your good works. Jesus didn’t say you’re the world; nor did he say you should blend in with the world. There’s a trend among Christians today to conform with the world. But know that light has nothing in common with darkness. Where there’s strife, be the peacemaker. Where there’s sorrow, bring comfort. Where there’s sin, be the righteousness of God. Where there’s pain, be the healing. Where there’s deception, be the truth. Where there’s ungodliness, be the godly-factor. 

You can start acting different when you start believing Jesus when he says you’re light. You can’t be the difference if you don’t believe the words of Jesus. He doesn’t just call you light. He has made you light. This means light isn’t just your title; it’s your nature now. And it’s the nature of light to shine, so you don’t have a choice but to shine. Remember: You are who Jesus says you are (Your Identity = Light); and you can do what Jesus says you can do (Your Ability = to Shine). When Jesus says you’re the light of the world, that’s your assignment. Finally, when Jesus says you’re light of the world, the matter is settled. His declaration about you is authoritative. So, don’t debate the issue, and don’t doubt yourself. Go in the authority of Jesus’ words and be the difference he’s expecting you to be. Be the reason someone can smile, can hope, and can believe.  

Pray:

Daddy, I bless you for your amazing grace. You call me a child of light, and that’s what I am. Fill me with holy boldness to go out and be the difference you’ve called me to be. I put my faith in your words. Therefore, I believe that I am who you say I am; and I can do what you say I can do. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

For further study: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28