January 6, 2012

YOU ARE A LIGHT OF THE WORLD, DON'T BE ASHAMED OF IT

Key Verse

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)

Read More READ THE CHAPTER

Central Truth

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. We need to be proud that we live for Jesus and show others that we live for Him through our actions.

Reflections

"You are the light of the world." This is one of the most important statements in the Bible. Our job is to love others and spread the Word of God. That is why this statement impacts our lives so much. In Matthew 5, Jesus explains how we are the light of the world, and we are not supposed to hide from it, but to go and preach the gospel. "[N]or does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." (Matthew 5:15) Suppose you just had a hard work day. You come home and turn on the lights as you walk in the house. You wouldn't put a cover over the light after you turn it on. What good would that do? In the same way, we are the light of the world, and Jesus tells us not to cover our light but to show it.

Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." We want others to know about the Lord and praise Him. Do not shrink back and let the world control you, but show you live for Christ. Jesus wants us and others to praise Him. But how are we supposed to do that if we don't show that we live for Christ? We need to tell others about Christ and the only way to do that is through our words and actions. Matthew 5:13 explains, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." When Jesus is talking about saltiness, He means our light, our relationship with Him. The only way we can keep ourselves salty is if we spread the Word and have an active relationship with Christ. You are a light to the world. Are you shining bright?

Discussion Questions

1. Are there any areas in your life in which you have covered the light of Jesus and it does not shine before others?

2. What are some practical ways you can be a light/show the light of Jesus to others?

3. When you do good works, do you do it to glorify God, or do you take the credit? How can you glorify God through good works?

4. Do you keep an active relationship with Jesus? If not, how can you start doing that in your life?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

MATTHEW 1-5 (JANUARY 2-6)

Read Matthew 5:13-16.

What is salt used for? (seasoning, preserving & healing)
What is light used for?
How can you be like salt and light?

Activity: Pour a small amount of oil in a saucepan and heat it up. Then pour in popcorn kernels. Be sure to keep the pan moving so as not to burn the popcorn. Once all kernels have popped, split the popcorn between the paper sacks. Put salt into only bag and shake it up. Then have a taste test of the two bags.

Can you distinctly tell which one has salt on it? How? This is just how God wants us to be. Our lives should clearly reflect that we love and serve Him.

Next, get a flashlight and a dark towel and go into a room without windows (i.e. bathroom or closet). Turn off the light. Talk about the darkness and how it feels. Then turn on the flashlight. Talk about what the flashlight did to the room. Then cover it with the towel and refer back to verse 15. What does God want us to do with the truth of Jesus in our lives?

To shine your light, take some salted popcorn to your neighbors and invite them to church!

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.

  1. Lamp

    January 6, 2012 05:10 AM

    "Jesus explains we are to go and preach the Gospel"........now that is a great message to take into the weekend! Great job! Lamp

  2. Courtney Vorel

    January 6, 2012 05:48 AM

    Great job, Ben. I loved your encouragement to "not shrink back.". I am praying that I will let God's perfect love cast out my fear of losing man's approval so that I may boldly proclaim His truth.

  3. Sue Bohlin

    January 6, 2012 07:49 AM

    I'm so glad you have already been learning about being salt and light in your world and outside of it, Ben! Way to go! As I read this chapter today, it was like sensing Jesus striking a tuning fork so we can hear the true note of His standards for Kingdom life and Kingdom people. But our instruments are broken and hopelessly out of tune! Hearing that pure and perfect sound both convicts us of how we fall short and can't ever match it on our own, but at the same time it also promises us that this is the quality of life--eternal life--and beauty of heart that He is recreating in us as we are transformed into His likeness. It's like He's saying, "Hear this note? You're going to able to match it some day when I finish the good work I started in you" (Phil 1:6).

  4. Kristi Lichtenberg

    January 6, 2012 08:22 AM

    Ben - you were such a blessing at Cornerstone this summer! Thank you for your hard work and for continuing to be salt and light, long after the mission trip is over! Thank you!!

  5. Ray Bohlin

    January 6, 2012 09:26 AM

    Thank you Ben for "illuminating" further what verse 14 means.Sometimes because we don't throw a light over our lamp, some people won't like that. Some will revile us, persecute us and make false evil statements about us because we stand for Him. That's why Jesus says earlier in verse 12 that we are BLESSED when that happens.

  6. Ray Bond

    January 6, 2012 10:15 AM

    Hey! I know that guy! Great devo Ben. He calls us all to shine His light through the way we carry ourselves. Thanks for the wonderful reminder. Ray Bond

  7. Jeff Z

    January 6, 2012 10:58 AM

    Great Job Ben, Got a lot out of this today, always loved that verse. You layed it perfectly, good to know the next generation has young men like you to carry the torch!! Keep it Going!

  8. Elaine

    January 6, 2012 11:51 AM

    Ben-- My husband and I love to visit Watermark. It is a far drive for us, but we agree with you... we do love it there. As a visitor I would like to say that you are participating in a great church and ministry, and also let you know that you are an encouragement to our generation of adults... as you "let your light shine before men." Keep up the wonderful work you are already doing, and thanks for reminding us what our priorities need to be. In Him, Elaine

  9. Jake H

    January 6, 2012 01:09 PM

    Ben, Way to continue to be a Light. You shine bright and are a great treasure to our small group. Very encouraging devo today! Jake

  10. Jo Tiller

    January 6, 2012 02:08 PM

    Ben,your devotional this morning is shining brightly as I am sure your work in south Dallas this summer illuminated the hearts of those you served. Thank you for brightening my spirit life with your clear and insightful undersatanding of this chapter.

  11. Jana

    January 6, 2012 02:24 PM

    What a great challenge...are you shining bright? I know the truth, and yet at times I do not live it or say it boldly enough. We are set apart, and sometimes that is uncomfortable because our flesh says "fit in". Thank you for the reminder that comfort can be an idol. And an AMEN to the others who have already said that you, Ben, are an encouragement. I am a single mom with two young boys, and it is incredibly comforting to see godly young men in this church.

  12. Howard Goldthwaite

    January 6, 2012 11:07 PM

    Great job, Ben. Here's to being more "salt of the earth" and less "salt in the wound."

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Ben Lawrence

Ben Lawrence

My name is Ben Lawrence, and I have a younger brother named David and an older sister named Audrey. I enjoy playing football and baseball. I am in school and love going to Watermark. This past summer, I had an awesome opportunity to go down to South Dallas on a mission trip with a small group of junior high kids from Watermark. That week I learned how the Holy Spirit can use me to be a light to the world.