Matt 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the World."
Do not hide your light under a bushel so nobody knows, but put it on a stand. Not only to be seen, but to be spread so that the whole house might be lit up. The lighthouse has one purpose- to be a beacon, to be viewed and a guiding path. The light of good works is an example for others to follow, so they might do the same things, thus influencing a dark and sinful society.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the World." He came in this context as savior and forgiver of sins. He also healed the blind, cleansed the leper and carried on other acts of kindness - taking care of the sick and poor. Washing feet was a job of a servant, yet Jesus took that role to serve His disciples, so we are to do it to one another. This job of foot-washing is meant to be contagious.
If we give cups of kindness (of cold water) in the name of Jesus, we will be blessed, even if it does not produce any other spiritual results. This is spreading the light and the good news so others can see Jesus is real. The rest is up to the Lord. We need to give concerted effort to influence the community.
Christians began education, health care and social reform in our country and most others. William Booth was concerned for those in the gutter, those in poverty, and prejudiced against. Christians need to be in forefront with concern in meeting needs of others in the name of Christ.
Missionaries bring the light into darkened areas with the gospel, allowing people to become economically independent as well as to hear the good news of the gospel.
As newsman Clarence W. Hall followed American troops through Okinawa in 1945. He and his jeep driver came upon a small town that stood out as a beautiful example of a Christian community. He wrote, "We had seen other Okinawan villages... down at the heels and despairing, but by contrast, this one shone like a diamond in a dung heap. Everywhere we were greeted by smiles and dignified bows. Proudly the old men showed us their spotless homes, their terraced fields... their storehouses and granaries, their prized sugar mill."
He saw no jails, no drunkenness, and divorce was unknown in this village. He was told that an American missionary had come there some 30 years earlier. He had led two elderly townspeople to Christ and left them with a Japanese Bible. These new believers studied the Scriptures and started leading their fellow villagers to Jesus. Hall’s jeep driver said he was amazed at the difference between this village and the others around it. He remarked, "So this is what comes out of only a Bible and a couple of old guys who wanted to live like Jesus."
Prayer: Father God, teach me how to do this in this community where You have place me.
