As disciples of Christ, how can we be a light to the world? Why is that important?Jesus Christ said, "No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. "Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. "If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luk 11:33-36)
Lamps Must Be Out in the Open
Jesus taught that in order for a lamp to be effective in serving its purpose, it must be elevated and placed out in the open. (v.33). The same is true of our lives. If we are to light the world, we need to let others see our good deeds done in love. Don't hide it.
Our Eyes are a Lamp
Our bodies have a built-in lamp from God, which is our eyes. (v.34). A blind man sees no light.
The same is true spiritually. There is a direct connection between the eyes and what is going on in a person’s life (v.34)
- If your body is full of light, your eyes will be clear.
- If your body is full of darkness, your eyes will be bad.
It's Up to You
The choice is yours. It is up to you to see to it that your body is not filled with darkness rather than light. (v.35). No one can do that for you. If you choose to live for Jesus and die to yourself, then He will fill you with His light.
If your whole body is full of light, with no dark in it, your whole life will be lit up as if a bright spotlight were shining on you. (v.36)
How to Become Full of Light
How does our body become full of light? By repenting of all known sin, receiving forgiveness from Jesus, and walking in the light continually. That means your life and character will be in line with Jesus and His Word. You will walk in love with Him and each other.
And when you remain in fellowship with the Body of Christ, you need to make yourself accountable to someone for the way you are living. If you are a woman, make yourself accountable to a sister in the Lord. If you are a man, then be accountable to a brother in Christ. Confess your sins to one another in mutual accountability and pray for each other. Give each other the freedom to ask accountability questions on a weekly basis, such as "Have you viewed any sexually explicit material this week?" and "Have you entertained any lustful thoughts this week?" For others maybe the question should be, "Have you gossiped about anyone since we last met?" or "Have you had a critical attitude toward anyone?" Whatever the areas are that you struggle with, give your accountability partner permission to ask you about these areas any time they want to. And be committed to answering them honestly and sincerely.
How Does Darkness Creep In?
You may be wondering, "How does darkness creep in?" it creeps in when you allow hidden sin to enter into your life and remain there. By not confessing. By not being accountable to anyone for the way you are actually living. By choosing not to part with sin and allowing it to stay. This then opens the door for demons to enter into you, and they bring bondage which destroys your life.
The Eyes Will Tell
Can people tell by looking at our eyes whether we are walking in the light? Yes. If they are discerning, and look at your eyes, they will see that there is something different about you. If you are walking in the light, you will have that sparkle of joy and peace...that twinkle of love and that softness of humility in you. They will see that it's different from the rest of the world, whose eyes are darkened.
Can you tell whether another person is walking in the light or in the darkness? Yes, in my opinion, their eyes will tell and their actions, too. Next time you look at someone, notice their eyes. Notice whether they walk in love. Do they live as Jesus did?
Putting it All Together
This world is a very dark place. People are groping around and stumbling in the darkness. They need a light. Since we are called to be the Light of the World, we need to let people see the Light of Jesus within us. One way they will see it is through our eyes. If our eyes are full of light, our whole body will be illumined as well, just as if we were on stage under a spotlight for all to see.
If you are filled with darkness today, there is still hope for you in Jesus Christ. Repent of sin and receive forgiveness from Him. Keep your life free from sin. Walk in the Light as Jesus is in the Light. And when you are out in this dark world, let people see your eyes. Look right at them, and let your light shine into their dark lives.
But this is not just about appearances. If you are truly walking in the Light as Jesus is in the Light, you will be in fellowship with Him and the Body of Christ. You will love Him with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and you will love your brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Attribution notice: Scripture quotation taken from the NASB.
Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.
Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus. Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15). He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International. He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.
