I hope you have had a blessed break over the long weekend. Did you manage to view the fireworks? This year, the spectacle of lights had been brought out to the heartlands. I am pretty sure your Sunday night was brightly lighted up.

As I watched the wonderful fireworks go off,
it reminded me of the verses in Matthew 5:15-16.

Light should not be hidden but should light up the room and its surroundings. Another way to look at it is, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. The bible says we are to let our light shine.

Jesus says that what should be seen are the good deeds that we perform. In the same sermon, Jesus will admonish his disciples to give, pray, and fast in secret, not practicing our righteousness before others in order to be seen (Matt 6:1-19). The key here is glory. Who gets the glory when our righteousness is noticed by others? Sometimes we will be praised by men for what we do for God. That’s alright. But the attitude of our hearts in the deed is what is important.

Jesus’ instruction is to take on his identity in his Father in Heaven. God intends for the world to be able to see Him by His reflection in you and me. Live righteously for God’s sake. Do nothing out of selfish ambition (Phil 2:3). However, not everyone will want to see the light of God. It is too bright for those who hate and deny him. Jesus knows that some people will hate you for the same things for which others glorify you.

But it shouldn’t matter. Anything done for the glory of God will lead to reward in the next life, but also will result in abundant life in this one. Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matt 6:33) and have perfect peace. Continue to live in such a way that others “take note” that you have been with Jesus. You will be like a city on a hill, unable to be hidden. Amen!