Why are Christians the “light of the world”?

In the first century, walking in darkness meant trouble. If people were forced to travel in the dark, they would have felt lost, vulnerable, and afraid. Jesus taught his disciples that he—his presence—gave light to the darkness in the world.

Sometimes the darkness seems to have invaded our lives even though we belong to Christ. Those are good times to pause and consider the truth of John 8:12. If our lives are filled with darkness, then our lives are not filled with Christ. Who or what might we be choosing to “follow” instead of Jesus?

We can’t avoid the distractions of living in a fallen world. We can work not to “follow” those distractions and their influence on our lives. Jesus said if we follow him, we will not walk in darkness. Instead, we will have the light of life.

Our witness to others may best be described using those words. When people are with us, do they experience the light of Christ in our words and actions?

The reason our witness matters is that the light we are able to share is the light of “life”—eternal life. People can see the presence of Christ in us, and then his light can draw people away from the darkness of this world.

As the world grows darker, the light of Christ will become more and more visible. God will allow whatever is necessary for people to realize that they desperately need his love and salvation.

Christians are the visible and tangible light of Christ in the world. Jesus told his disciples they were the “light of the world.” Then he said, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

Whatever your plans are for tomorrow, do everything with the understanding that we have been given the ability to lead others out of the darkness in the world and toward the “light of life.” We have been given that light because we have been given the Spirit of Christ. Now, we must become the lampstands who lift his light to others.

Jesus is the model for our own faith and the pathway for our eternal relationship with God. We have been given a high and holy privilege. May the Lord help us shine his light to others.