Jump Start # 3804
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Our verse today taken from the Lord’s sermon on the mount, magnifies a principle that many either miss or they hope not to see. That principle is: as a Christian you are a leader. This is true of male and female. In the verse before, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…”
In both of those expressions, You are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world, Jesus is showing that His disciples are leaders. Notice, the Lord did not say, ‘You need to become the light.’ Nor did He say, ‘You ought to be the light.’ Rather, YOU ARE. Both, salt and light make differences. Light is seen from a distance. Light allows us to see better. Salt enhances, preserves and adds to the flavor of things.
So, every Christian is a leader. Every Christian is salt and light. This is true of the young teen Christian who recognizes when teasing crosses the line and becomes offensive and hurtful. He won’t participate in that. His lack of foul language and gossip is noticed by others. Agree with him or not, he is leading. There are others who wish they had the moral courage that this young Christian has.
It’s seen in the way a Christian conducts himself at work. Hard work for honest pay, is what he will do. He won’t engage in the toxicity of others. He has nothing to do with cheating or lying. And, in a brief amount of time, he stands out. Without preaching any sermons, he is leading.
The dad at home leads his family. They are his flock and he has become the shepherd. He guards them. He nourishes them. He encourages them. Just like the shepherds at church, this dad shepherd is trying to get his family to Heaven.
The attitude we wear when we have been wronged sends a message. The way we handle a crisis and problems sends a message. God’s people are leaders. That light shines.
Here are some thoughts for us:
First, you do not need a title to be a leader. You don’t have to be called a shepherd, deacon or preacher to influence others. You don’t have to be a parent. You lead by walking with the Lord. You show people better choices. You illustrate patience and kindness. Big or little among us, young or old, we are all leaders in the kingdom.
The more we grasped this and understood this, the more we would appreciate what our influence does.
Second, leading isn’t a one time event. We lead all the time. We lead in different ways. The way we lead the little ones at home may not be the same as what we do at work, but we are still leading. People watch without you noticing. Your example can inspire or discourage. Your words can heal or cause greater pain. At home, at school, in the stores, at the ballgame, everywhere we go, our light shines.
Third, truth be told, someone has led us and influenced us. Someone took the time to show us Jesus. Someone answered our questions. Someone helped us get the right steps in order. And, now, we are in the position to do the same to others. We have been helped, so we can help others.
Without that ancient lighthouse shinning a beam light out into the dark bay, ships would have crashed along the rocky shores. The light made a difference. The light prevented disaster. And, so it is for the child of God. How many lives have been saved from crashing because someone noticed our light? How many held on to hope when they were ready to give up, because they saw our light? You many never know all the good you have done, but the light always makes a difference.
Keep shinning—You are the light of the world. You are making a difference.
Roger