“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put in on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Motel 6 is where they leave the light on for you. I’ve been thinking about that idea lately. Isn’t it comforting to hear someone say they’ll leave the light on for us? I can remember coming to my parent’s house after dark and seeing the porch light on, waiting for my arrival. I knew I was loved, and they were looking for me.
Our world needs more light—the Light of the world! God’s people are responsible for letting their light shine. To do that, we must remain connected to our source of power for that light. Jesus told His disciples, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Light reveals what we cannot see in darkness. Jesus came to show us the way out of the darkness of sin and into His “marvelous light” (1 Peter2:9). People need Jesus!
We must leave the light on for those in darkness. Many folks are discouraged. Leave the light on for them. Speak words of encouragement and hope. Some are searching for meaning or purpose for their lives. Leave the light on for them. Share the good news of Jesus and how He brings purpose to our lives. Let others see Jesus in you.
In the parable Jesus told of the woman who lost a valuable coin, it says she lit a lamp before searching her house. She needed light to see in the dark corners or under the table. She prepared for her search. Are we prepared to seek lost people? Is our light on? Motel 6 has the right idea—light is needed to find our way. Leave the light on!
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8-10).