~*~
14 “You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
~*~
You've been driving, or walking, for hours. The night sky hovers overhead, reminding you how alone you are, how far from home and everyone you are. You're so far removed from the world that the radio offers a cry of emptiness - or your iPod ran out of power so long ago that your own thoughts are annoying you in one way or another. Then you see it, up ahead: A city on a hill! The lights alone are enough to bring your heart great delight. However, while you are drawn to the light, suddenly aware that somewhere within there lays an answer to a hidden prayer, you know the lights of the city are not what you're looking for - it's what is yet to be seen within the walls that hold the light that really calls to you, isn't it...? It's the hope that rises within you on seeing the light that attracts you to it, is it not? You're drawn to the light, but you know the answer you seek is not the lights highlighting the city, it is that which dwells within the city you need and desire, isn't it...?
...We are the light of the world. We attract. We draw. We highlight. But we are not the starring attraction.
In the Kingdom of God, we are His beloved children. Here, we are blessed with His company and the fullness of His love. Here, Father gifts us with all good things; He blesses us daily with love, mercy, grace, our needs and so much more, if we are willing to accept His gifts. Here, it is like Christmas every day, and we are the children eagerly rising to discover what He has given us. But we are not the gift. We are not the kingdom itself. We are not the Giver of the gifts. God is. Our light to the world should reflect God's love; our Father's love. We can highlight the gifts He's given us, and Highlight the One through whom all gifts were made and given, Jesus Christ, but we must never allow our light to be the focus of another's walk...
...I remember standing in church one night. It was a fairly big church, and though there was space behind me, I was in the back row and I stood in front of no one. Everyone was standing to join in with worship songs, looking to the front or standing with arms raised and eyes closed.
As I stood there, my old familiar 'friend' Paranoia came to stand with me. Even though it was such a setting as I just described, I felt eyes on me, so I prayed, "God, please remove this paranoia from me. I hate the sense of being looked at." To which God basically replied, "No..." He went on to impress upon my heart, "I made you to be a beacon. You will draw people to yourself and on to Me... The banner over you is restoration..."
He called me a light, really. A beacon. And told me for what purpose: To shine your light before others... not so you or your deeds can be seen, but to draw others to God. (That's one of the reasons I speak so often of Him and His love. :) )
In my experience, there is nothing more attractive in this world than love. God is love. The top commandments are love. We're even called, by Jesus, to love our enemies, and to love others as He loved/loves us. Love attracts... If we function in love (knowing Jesus said the world will recognise His disciples/followers by their love) then surely our light is not hidden but shining in a way that will draw others to the heart of God?
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I believe being the light of the world is not about being seen, but about highlighting the way to the heart of our most worthy Father and the love and blessings He seeks to pour out on others...
God doesn't want an audience. He wants family - as we all do. So let us shine our light for the restoration of His family - for Father and His children... and all in the name of love.