Text Landmark: Matthew: 5: 14 - 15
14: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15: 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."

Christ calls Himself the light of the world, John 8: 12. They who are workers together with Him, have some of His honour put on them... You and I are embodiment of Christ's light today! As lights, we are conspicuous and have many eyes upon us. Some admire us, commend us, rejoice in us, and study to imitate our lifestyle. Others envy us, hate us, censure us, and even study to humiliate and blast us. We are concerned therefore to walk circumspectly because of our observers (people of the world) and must take heed of everything that looks I'll, because we are so much looked at.

As lights, we are intended to illuminate and give light to others. Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a hill? Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ like - by our attitudes, character and lifestyles. We are to show forth godly virtues loaded in us...

We hide our lights by

(a) Being quite when we should speak or preach the gospel!

(b) Going along with the crowd - compromising!

(c) Denying the light - shying from the truth or scaring to say the truth!

(d) Letting sin dim our light! (e) Not explaining our light to others, or
(f) Ignoring the needs of others.

As light, we are loaded with diverse grace to function!
Light transforms!

Light clears the darkness!
Light reflects glory!
Light illuminate!
Light is difficult to be hindered or covered!
Light brings confidence! *Light is bold!
Light exhibits gifts and potentials!
Light allays fear!
Christ has lighted your candle (your talent, mental and spiritual gift, ministerial calling, moral virtue, career, business acumen etc). All these must not be put under a bushel {a bowl or basket}; you are not to remain a local champion (the disciples are not confined to the cities of Galilee, of the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but they shall be sent into all the world - Matt. 28: 19-20; Acts.1:. You are ordained to make impact in this world.

LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE.. The disciples of Christ (you and I inclusive) must not muffle themselves (also ourselves) up in privacy, in confinement or obscurity under a pretense of contemplation, modesty, or self preservation, but as we have received the gift, must minister the same - Luke 12:3. We must be burning and shining lights - Jhn.5:35, must evidence that we are indeed followers of Christ. We must be (a light) to others for instruction, direction, quickening, and comfort.. We must affect the world positively (be a blessing) with our endowed gifts, talent, knowledge, education, career and wealth of experience.

GOOD WORKS MUST BE SEEN.... Your good works must be seen, (this is not pride or high service, it is a must to be functional for God and your generation); it is like a shining light; like the arrays of stars in the midst of dark sky (Ish.60:2-3)... That those who see the good works may be brought, not to glorify or praise you but glorify your Father which is in heaven. The glory of God is the great thing we must aim at in everything we do. We must not only endeavour to glorify God ourselves, but we must do all we can to bring others to glorify God through the use of our gifts for God's kingdom and humanity. Shalom!!
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