Today I saw a quote from C.S. Lewis that I haven’t read before. “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine, so that through you, others can see Him.” I see now how important it is that we know why we are to be the light of the world.
As an old pest control trainer, I can visualize God’s bright light causing demons and evil-doers to scramble like cockroaches to get away from the light and back into hiding. But is that the primary reason we are to shine? I have also used florescent light traps for moths and other flying insects that are attracted to light. Luring them to be zapped and killed by electricity or die on glue traps. I know that is definitely not the negative reason our light is to shine.
No, we are to let God’s light shine through us like a bright beacon from a lighthouse to guide those who are lost in a sea of sin to the safe shore of God’s mercy and grace. Jesus said “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) His mission was to seek and to save those who are lost. Then He passed that torch to us and told us, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) We are to lure people to life, not death. Will some people reject the light? Of course, just as they rejected Jesus. We must never let that keep us from getting as many to safety as possible.
Is the light you are shining in this world bright? Does it introduce them to Him instead of illuminating you? Is it attractive to those seeking God?