The Church (5)
“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 lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5.14, 15
Jesus and light
Jesus’ audience here was His disciples and those gathered on the mount. He spoke to them as a group, not as individuals, to guide them in thinking about their corporate mission in the world. The disciples, and those who would become disciples through their efforts, were to think of themselves as the light of the world. They were not merely to shine light into the world. They were to be the light of the world—together, as one Body, with one mission.Jesus was fond of the light metaphor. He used it in speaking of Himself (Jn. 8.12). Having our lights trimmed and well supplied was in Jesus’ mind a way of thinking about being always ready to fulfill our purpose as the Bride of the Lord (Matt. 25.1-13). And He spoke of His mission in the world as having the effect of exposing the darkness of sin and unbelief (Jn. 3.16-21).
In each case the idea of light conveyed a message of truth, of a new reality, and of fulfilling God’s purposes for the world. God Who, in the beginning, spoke light into the chaos of the unformed creation, sent the Light, in Jesus and the Church, for the new beginning which is His Kingdom.
Light of the world
The Church is the light of the world. As individuals, we bear the light of Jesus into our world, our Personal Mission Field. But we cannot as individuals hope to have nearly the impact for truth and the Kingdom that the Church as Christ’s Body can have when it embraces and pursues its mission as the light.
We are the light of the world. Being the light of the world is not so much something we do as something we are. Filled with the light of truth and the illuminating power of God’s Spirit, we become transformed by the light in our thoughts, affections, and values. The depths of our very being are enlightened and vivified by the indwelling light of the Lord, so that we become new persons, and a new people, from the inside-out.Paul says that, as the light of Christ rises within us, we shine like lights in the dark world of sin (Eph. 5.1-14). The way we live—all our everyday gestures, mannerisms, conversations, and ways of being in the world—affects the world each day like the flipping of a light switch. The effect of this is twofold.
First, the darkness is illuminated; sin is exposed and brought into relief, beginning in our own lives. As the light of the world, Christians do not wink at sin or simply hope it will go away. The light shining in and through the Body of Christ insists that whatever is dark must be illuminated, rolled back, and transformed. Second, the entrance of light into the darkness not only exposes the works of darkness, and calls them out for what they are; it also illuminates the way things are meant to be. The Church is the light of the world not just because we renounce and expose the darkness of sin but because we show the way human beings are meant to live, in love for God and for our neighbors.
Here, too, there is strength in numbers—both in becoming light-bearers in the world and in shining our light for all to see.
Positive associations and opportunities
In the thinking of most people, light suggests powerful positive associations—life, warmth, insight, discovery, certainty, perspective, radiance, brilliance, beauty, and truth. Jesus intends His Church to fulfill all these expectations by being the light of the world. It is not enough to affirm or acknowledge that we are the light of the world; we must address our role, individually and as churches, in bringing light into our communities—how we prepare to shine the light and what we actually do. Wherever we go in our communities, we as individuals shine the light of Jesus. And our churches must embrace ways of bolstering our individual lights and helping us shine more brightly together into the dark world.
We are not an isolated candle, shimmering here and there against the darkness. The Church is a light of infinite spiritual candlepower, which, as it shines continuously and consistently into the darkness of our age, brings all the fondest expectations of God and men to pass.
The Church is the light of the world! But, as the Body of Christ, she requires that all members lend their light to one another and join their lights with one another at all levels of the Church, in order to strike a blow for life and truth into the encroaching darkness of unbelief and sin.
For reflection or discussion
1. In what ways does your church currently serve as the light of Christ in your community?
2. In what ways have you experienced the inward light of Christ transforming you into His image (2 Corinthians 3.12-18)?
3. What are some things you might do to help your church be more effective as the light of the world?
Next steps—Preparation: In prayer, review your Personal Mission Field—all the roles, relationships, and responsibilities God has given you to serve Him each day. Where do you need to bring more of His light to bear?
T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: The Read Moore podcast continues readings from If Men Will Pray. Our Crosfigell teaching letter has begun a new series on the state of the Church in Europe at the time of the Celtic Revival. Check out our other excellent writers. In Scriptorium we are working through the gospel of Matthew. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
