Are You Being a “Light of the World”?

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. ~Ephesians 5:13 KJV

Those Who Are in the Light, Expose the Darkness

In some communities, there is a lie floating around that have people believing that to expose someone’s dirty deed is betraying them. This is called being a Snitch. However, the thought never enters their mind that they are betraying God. Protecting a person, so that they can continue to sin, is joining hand and hand with the devil. Sometimes, it is not about protecting the evil person, but rather protecting oneself or family.  In that case, they need to repent, fast, and pray to commit themselves to faith in God so they may fear God rather than man.  As Christians, who are the light of the world, we expose the darkness, even if it means losing our life because we choose God knowing we will reign with Him forever. We expose the darkness first through personal confrontation —or if illegal and dangerous— going to the authorities.  Those who are in the light shine their light by telling God’s truth in the midst of dark lies even when it is no longer socially acceptable.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ~Matthew 10:28 KJV

Those Who are in the Light, Do Not Hide Themselves

People in darkness are secretive and do not come to the light because they know their deeds will be exposed. Jesus tells us that we do not put a lamp under a table, but rather on top of it so that it lights up the room. Our light in Christ should not be hidden, but shining brightly with truth and holiness. Those who are the light, manifest the fruitful works that bring glory to God. Those who are in the light strip away the world because they are abiding in the Word of God who is light.  Those who are in the light are hated by those who love the darkness. Furthermore, those who are in the light do not fear man, but God, although they may be persecuted for their bold, God-fearing statements, preaching, or praise in public and private settings.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ~Matthew 5:15 KJV

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ~Matthew 5:14 KJV

[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.~John 3:19-21 KJV

Those who are in the light walk in the light.

People in the light believe God’s Word and do not reject it nor make excuses. They believe Jesus, do not walk in darkness, and they have fellowship, which is friendly relationships among their faithful members in the body of Christ.  They have friendly fellowship because they love their members.

[5]This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. [6]If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7]But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. ~1 John 1:5-7 KJV

[9]He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. [10]He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and their is none occasion of stumbling in him. [11]But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not wither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. ~1 John 2:9-11 KJV

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ~John 8:12 KJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16 KJV

Now that you understand certain actions of being in the light, you will recognize it.  Think about the times when you were watching the news and someone gave glory to God in front of the world, or the time when someone rebuked a person for being evil when that person was trying to conspire against someone else, or maybe you overheard someone talk about how doing a certain thing was so dishonorable and it affected how you thought about it too.  Yet still, God wants us to go to another level.  Read how Jesus explains it:

If thine eye be single…

Jesus says,

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. [35]Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. ~Luke 11:34 KJV

Our eyes take us places.  Desire can begin in the eye when we see something such as food, things, or people.  Note how Jesus says, “… when thine eye is single,… .”  This denotes being separate or even unmarried.  The bible often makes many references to sin being an act of fornication or adultery against God.  Think about this.

You are the light of the world made by God, not the light of the world made by the world. Don’t let lies dim you or snuff you out. Don’t let your eyes behold evil.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. ~1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV

If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. ~Luke 11:36 KJV