We ARE The Light Of The World - But What Kind Of Light?

20 – Prov. 14:34 - “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (NIV)

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As Christians we have right standing with God only through our faith in Jesus Christ. But in this proverb “righteousness” or in some translations “Godliness” refers not to our position in Christ but to Godly and just principles and actions. It refers to our character – to the things that we say and do.

Part of our Cypress Church vision is for us to serve the purposes of Jesus IN our world by being involved in our communities and by us being “Salt and Light.” We are IN the world but we are not supposed to be OF the world.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. What Jesus does NOT say in this verse is that you have any kind of choice about whether or not you will be “light.” We ARE “light” – our actions and our words are powerful. We influence everyone we come into contact with – for good or for bad - whether we want to or not!

Exactly what can we do to be “salt and light” for Jesus … IN our world? Here are some ideas: Be kind and polite to your neighbors and co-workers, be a courteous driver and obey traffic laws, keep your home and yard neat and clean. Be a good employee or a good boss. Give your company an honest day’s work and then some. Do not be a whiner or a complainer or a gossip. Demonstrate your overall faith and trust that God is in control – no matter what happens!

When Israel was encamped at Kadesh Barnea 12 spies were sent to check out the Promised Land. Of the 12 only two men (Joshua and Caleb) brought back a good report. The children of Israel sided with the majority and refused to move forward. As a result of Israel’s lack of courage and faith in God’s ability to protect them, they had to wander for 40 years before they could enter the Land. Both Joshua and Caleb stood up for God. They serve as examples of what we need to do each and every day. We must have faith that God is in control and that only He knows what is best for us. Then we need to have the courage to act on what we know to be true. Joshua and Caleb could have gotten discouraged because their ideas were rejected but they knew that God’s plan would work out. They showed that they had faith and great courage and God rewarded them.

As you are spending time alone with God today, ask Him to show you just one thing that needs to be changed in your life so that the light of Jesus Christ can shine more brightly through you. Ask Him what you need to do specifically to show others that you trust Him to meet all of your needs. When He does answer you, have the courage and the faith to take action. The Lord will give you His strength to do what He wants you to do.