If you've ever driven Interstate 10 in the southwestern United States, you know it as a stretch of highway that's long, straight, and if you're traveling at night - pitch black. One moonless night long ago, I drove in that utter darkness. In the night, far off in the distance, I saw some lights. What a relief to leave that black desert and bask in the lights of Las Cruces, New Mexico. That scene reminds me of how Jesus describes you and me:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. . . . 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 5:14, 16)
Notice Jesus doesn't say, "You can or should be the light." He says, "You are!" If you traffic only in the light, you may have forgotten how dark the world is. Remember the last time you faced some struggle that brought you to your knees? Most people never go to their knees. They don't know there's help there. They struggle in the dark.
Is yours the only light in your neighborhood? Thank God you're there! To many people you are Las Cruces, New Mexico on a pitch black night. You're the city set on a hill whose light cannot be hidden. How? Jesus said they would "see your good works." What are good works? They are every visible manifestation of Christ's life being faithfully lived out by the Christian. They will notice your courtesy, detect your smile, hear you apologize when you were wrong, and remember that you're the one who stopped to give them a hand. Their kids will want to be at your home because of how you treat your children. Why? Because you're the light.
May I give you a couple suggestions as you shine your light in your neighborhood?
Don't overdo it. Don't only talk to your neighbors when your agenda is to share the gospel. Neighbors aren't won because they're cornered and forced to hear about Christ. They're won because they are attracted to your light. More often than not, people are "charmed into righteousness."
Don't hold back. When your neighbors come to bend your ear, let them bend it. Listen patiently. Before long, they'll say, "Why are you like that?" You can joyfully answer, "I'm glad you asked. Let me tell you what happened that changed my life."
Don't worry about the few who resist. Remember some even walked away from the Master Himself. People who are light are companions of grace. They help the world to find direction, taste, beauty, forgiveness, compassion, and eternity.
There's a light shining in your neighborhood and it's coming from your house. Open the door and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Portions of this article have been adapted from "A Simple Counterstrategy: Shake and Shine" from the Simple Faith series.
