I recently heard a song by Kari Jobe called, “We Are”. The lyrics say, “We are the light of the world/ We are the city on a hill”. Combined with the beautiful melody, it was very moving. Then I began to reflect a bit more and do what I do best: ask questions. As Christians, are the lives we lead really lighting up the world? Are we truly a beacon in the darkness? How many believers listen to songs like the one mentioned above, feel good about the message, and then carry on with their lives as usual? It’s the modern equivalent of always hearing but never understanding (Matthew 13:14). We don’t put our faith into action, or more specifically, we are ever learning but never doing.
Bill Hybels has a well known quote that says, “The local church is the light of the world”. I couldn’t agree more with Pastor Hybels, but do wonder how much of that thought is theory and how much are we actually seeing it in the world today? I grew up in the church and have attended services of multiple denominations in congregations small, medium, and large. Honestly, there isn’t a great deal of difference between most churches. Most seem to focus first on taking care of their own, while reaching outside their walls is generally a lesser priority. This is a huge generalization, and I am very aware that there are exceptions to this. But the churches that are getting it right should not be exceptions, they should be the rule.
It’s important to remember that regardless of what group of believers you choose to associate with, all followers of Jesus are building blocks of the church. This is why it is the responsibility of each of us to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone with whom we come into contact. It is our duty to look like Jesus. When we shine with the love of Christ, those who don’t know Him will be drawn to Him. Within our circle of faith, those who were compelled to take care of their own needs first will instead be persuaded to seek out those outside the church who are in need.
It’s not just about sending money. As Keith Green used to say, “God can’t cash out of state checks in Heaven. He needs you.” We have to go beyond easy giving and immerse ourselves in the messy world outside the safety of our sanctuaries. A light shines brightest when the surrounding is darkest. When we live a life that is different from everyone else, people will respond and seek to understand what makes us tick. We can then point them to Jesus. We can explain that Christ took everything we’ve ever done wrong and took that upon Himself. Then He took everything He ever did right and credited it to us, as if we were the holy and perfect ones. This is incredible news! It’s the gospel of Jesus. It’s the story they need, and the one we must tell. Let’s not just sing about being the light of the world. Let’s live it.
I recently heard a song by Kari Jobe called, “We Are”. The lyrics say, “We are the light of the world/ We are the city on a hill”. Combined with the beautiful melody, it was very moving. Then I began to reflect a bit more and do what I do best: ask questions. As Christians, are the lives we lead really lighting up the world? Are we truly a beacon in the darkness? How many believers listen to songs like the one mentioned above, feel good about the message, and then carry on with their lives as usual? It’s the modern equivalent of always hearing but never understanding (Matthew 13:14). We don’t put our faith into action, or more specifically, we are ever learning but never doing.
Bill Hybels has a well known quote that says, “The local church is the light of the world”. I couldn’t agree more with Pastor Hybels, but do wonder how much of that thought is theory and how much are we actually seeing it in the world today? I grew up in the church and have attended services of multiple denominations in congregations small, medium, and large. Honestly, there isn’t a great deal of difference between most churches. Most seem to focus first on taking care of their own, while reaching outside their walls is generally a lesser priority. This is a huge generalization, and I am very aware that there are exceptions to this. But the churches that are getting it right should not be exceptions, they should be the rule.
It’s important to remember that regardless of what group of believers you choose to associate with, all followers of Jesus are building blocks of the church. This is why it is the responsibility of each of us to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone with whom we come into contact. It is our duty to look like Jesus. When we shine with the love of Christ, those who don’t know Him will be drawn to Him. Within our circle of faith, those who were compelled to take care of their own needs first will instead be persuaded to seek out those outside the church who are in need.
It’s not just about sending money. As Keith Green used to say, “God can’t cash out of state checks in Heaven. He needs you.” We have to go beyond easy giving and immerse ourselves in the messy world outside the safety of our sanctuaries. A light shines brightest when the surrounding is darkest. When we live a life that is different from everyone else, people will respond and seek to understand what makes us tick. We can then point them to Jesus. We can explain that Christ took everything we’ve ever done wrong and put it upon Himself. Then He took everything He ever did right and credited it to us, as if we were the holy and perfect ones. This is incredible news! It’s the gospel of Jesus. It’s the story they need, and the one we must tell. Let’s not just sing about being the light of the world. Let’s live it.