Being the Light of the World
The Scriptures make it clear that the church is to be the embodiment of the word of God in the world. This is what Jesus meant when he spoke of the church as light of the world in Matthew 5: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl…. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 15:14, 16)
The church when she has been at her best has understood this and acted. We are not just to “do church” but be the church. This means that we are not merely to market the Gospel but embody the gospel. When we do this, the Gospel will be best “marketed”. This is not to say that we are not to speak the Gospel. If we seek “be” the Gospel and not also speak it, we do not truly embodying it. If we seek to speak it but not embody it, then we are just noise.
How are you involving your self in your local church, so that you and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are more fully embodying the Gospel? By definition, life in the Gospel cannot be done alone.
Something to think about from “The Kingdom Perspective”.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
~Matthew 5:13-16 NASB
