A Light Not Meant to Be Hidden
We are the light of the world, and our walk with Christ determines the intensity of that light, which is meant to shine forth to the world and glorify God.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that believers are not merely reflections of Christ's light but are the light of the world themselves, with the brightness of their light directly linked to their relationship with Him. He warns against spiritual laziness and hypocrisy, highlighting that true light shines through genuine communion with Christ, not through self-promotion or judgment of others. Wilkerson reminds us that our lives are on display for the world to see, and we are called to let our light shine so that God may be glorified through our good works.
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Jesus tells us, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). His statement here is about much more than just doing ministry. It extends beyond teaching, preaching or passing out tracts. Christ tells us very plainly, "Ye are the light." He's saying, "You are not just a reflection of the light. You're not a mere conduit. You are the light itself. And the intensity of your light depends upon the intensity of your walk with me."
Do you see what the Lord is implying here? The world recognizes those who walk closely with him. Your neighbors or coworkers may not know about your daily communion with Christ, your faith in him, your utter dependence upon him. But they do see the light that shines from your because of the life you have with him. And as long as nothing hinders that life, your light will continue to shine in the darkness.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14). Jesus is saying, "I have put you on exhibition to the world. People are looking at you, because I've made you a spectacle. You're a light that is not meant to be hidden."
So, who are these lights set on a hill? And where do we see them? They are not usually found in the limelight. They aren't among the self-centered, self-promoting people who live for recognition in this world. And they are not among those self-important church cliques who pretend to be holy but gossip, murmur and complain.
Through the years, I've seen many believers who appear godly but in truth are spiritually lazy. They tell others about their failings and weaknesses, thinking this makes them humble. Yet they are quick to judge others. They don't possess the true, giving, loving servant-like spirit of Christ. On the contrary, the "light" they have is actually darkness. Jesus says, "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23). Where there is no life of Christ, there can be no light for others.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (5:16). The reason that we are to let our light shine forth to the world is that God may receive glory.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction
- A. Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:14
- B. The light is not just for ministry, but for daily life
- II. The Light of the World
- A. We are the light, not just a reflection of it
- B. The intensity of our light depends on our walk with Christ
- III. The World Recognizes the Light
- A. People see the light in our lives, even if they don't know our faith
- B. The light will continue to shine as long as our life with Christ is not hindered
- IV. The Light on a Hill
- A. We are put on exhibition to the world
- B. Our light is not meant to be hidden
- V. Characteristics of the Light
- A. The light is not self-centered or self-promoting
- B. The light is a true, giving, loving servant-like spirit of Christ
Key Quotes
“You are not just a reflection of the light. You're not a mere conduit. You are the light itself.” — David Wilkerson
“You are put on exhibition to the world. People are looking at you, because I've made you a spectacle.” — David Wilkerson
“If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should strive to have a true, giving, loving servant-like spirit of Christ in our lives.
- Our daily actions and behavior should reflect our faith in Christ and bring glory to God.
- We should not hide our light, but let it shine forth to the world, so that God may receive glory.