Light of the world

https://odb.org/2026/08/20/shine-your-light

Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV): 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

In the dimly lit restaurant, our waitress quietly took our orders with a solemn expression. But then a customer kindly gave her a writing pen that had a little flashlight built into it. He told her it was so she could “see in the dark.” Her face lit up, and her demeanor changed to reflect joy. It was evident that she was delighted by the gift—clicking the light off and on. When she left our table, the man smiled as he whispered to me, “I think she brightened up when I gave her the pen. It made her day!” (Katara Patton, Our Daily Bread 20th August 2026)

I think the analogy used by Jesus in Matthew 5:14 that we as believers are light of the world is very apt. This is because by definition, darkness is the absence of light. Darkness is not so much a condition by itself but came about because light was not present. In the natural we see because of light as images are a reflection of light in our retina that transmits those images to our brain for comprehension. We see colours because it is the reflection of light as colours are present in the light we see. Thus the world is not different shades of grey but a collection of beautiful, vivid and explosive colours!

Taking this deeper, if we as believers are not present in any environment, for example, like our workplace, our homes or our community – then, they are all in darkness. We are the light of the world! That’s what Jesus said and how true indeed! People will be in darkness if not for us giving them light.

In the spiritual sense and realm, this means they will be tied down by their bondages and chains of generational curses, unbelief and doubts. They are blinded by spiritual death. Unless we as the light of the world illuminate the path to salvation and eternal life to them. If not, they will remain in darkness until they depart this world and more darkness will await them in the afterlife. Contrary to popular culture, hell is not just another world where evil or rebellious people will gather. It is a place of gnashing of teeth and likely devoid of company and consist mostly darkness since there is no light.

The message this morning is to be reminded that without us who has seen the light and are the light, the world is in darkness. We are the light of the world. We are light because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Our souls (spirit) are born-again. We are not just illuminated as in awakened and given the knowledge and revelation of Jesus Christ having accepted Him in our lives, but God Himself by His Holy Spirit resides in us. We carry His presence and wherever we are, we are the Kingdom of God. One day, we should be able to say – by our life, our words and deeds – you have seen Jesus if you have seen me! We should be a good and vivid reflection and representation of our Lord Jesus Christ! We are indeed the light of the world! Amen!