You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
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There is a temptation, I think, to view God’s instructions as something to dread. We see them as burdensome, commands we have to follow, or sacrifices that we make because it’s what God asks of us. We picture ourselves missing out on what the world offers in exchange for the blessings of His kingdom.
But I think we are seeing God’s instructions wrong. There is, after all, another way to look at it:
Living differently from the world is not a burden—it’s a privilege.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a beautiful picture of the life available to us. As followers of Him, we are the light of the world. A city on a hill, shining for all to see.
What an amazing opportunity! What a joy! What a privilege!
Living according to God’s Will is not meant to feel like an obligation. It’s an honor, and a life-fulfilling opportunity to shine in a fallen world.
The world around us is broken, filled with sin and darkness. And the consequences of this fallen world are clear: the wages of sin is death. But when we live set apart—when we follow God’s commands and let our light shine—we are given the incredible privilege of reflecting God’s goodness and truth.
We live set apart not just for our own benefit. But for the sake of those we invite to Christ through the lives we live and the words we say.
Think about what it means to be “the light of the world.” Jesus is not calling us to hide or blend in. He’s calling us to stand out, to live in a way that is so distinct, so different from the world’s standards, that others can’t help but notice. Again this isn’t a sacrifice—it’s an honor.
So the next time you feel the weight of standing out or the temptation to live just like everyone else, remember: It is a privilege to live differently than a fallen world. You have been called to be set apart, to let your light shine, and in doing so, to point others toward God and life.
What an opportunity that is. One we should never pass up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus and the opportunity he has provided through his death and resurrection to know you and follow you. While it may not always be easy to follow Your will, it is a privilege and honor to do so. Help me to see it that way—and grant me the strength through your Spirit to live it out today. Amen.