FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE CALL TO HOLINESS
(Part 24)
LIGHT TO THE WORLD
Jesus is the light of the world, and he has told his disciples, “You are the light of the world.” God’s light is intended to shine in the darkness of a world steeped in sin and evil. The lamp is there for all not just to see but to be touched and guided by the light. How have the people of God (referring basically to good people) lived out or failed to live this out?
A lamp placed under a bushel basket or a bed
- One who hardly speaks about Christ, whether in his own family, with his friends, or in the world environments where he is part of.
- One who gives good example in action but does not share that his actions are guided by his Christian values (so people make no connection to his faith).
- One who sees the truth being overturned in the Church but does not speak out.
- One who is truly prayerful, but just looks to God to bring about needed changes in the Church and in the world, without looking to himself as God’s proactive instrument for such change.
A lamp place on a lampstand
- One who does good and rejects evil wherever he is and whatever he is doing.
- One who witnesses to others about salvation in Jesus.
- One who speaks from the truth of God’s word.
- One who shows others the way of Christ and obedience to the will of God, helping guide people along the right path.
- One who corrects, as he is able, those who are in error.
As the people of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus, our light, a reflection of our holiness, needs to be placed on a lampstand. This is the way to even greater holiness. “To the one who has, more will be given” (v.25a). The more our light shines forth, the more God will allow such light to intensify even further.
On the other hand, if our lamp is hidden under basket or bed, such light, having no effect in bringing illumination into the lives of other people, will fade. “From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (v.25b). If we do not fulfill God’s purpose, then we are no longer useful instruments.
“Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” (v.23).