Let your light so shine before men

Posted on March 19, 2025, 6:57 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Our Lord Jesus Christ lived a life that no fault was found in Him. He was known for doing good works and helping people. He was healing the sick, feeding the hungry and taking care of the poor. (Acts.10:38) His good works attracted followers both friends and foes who saw Him as a source of hope. Jesus Himself says, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. (John.8:12) We are therefore expected as followers of Christ to display the light that has been deposited in us by doing same. Light signifies sense of perfect being. Jesus told His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt.5:16) As Christ followers who have been given the light of life, Jesus is calling on us to do good works that will make the people of the world give glory to God. When the scripture says ‘let your light so shine before men’, it is not for us to show off, but that we should put up a Christ-like behavior, a sinless life. The light here is referring to the good works of faith in Christ. “Thus, also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead” (James.2:17) Your light can not shine before men without your good work to them. For the light of believers to shine before men, they are to live a life that honor God and follow the example of Christ. It means, to literarily live as Christ lived. The Bible says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John.2:6) So, for our lights to shine, we must walk as Christ walked by living a life of humility, obedience and total submission to God. A life that is concerned about the things that are important to others. (Phil.2:5-8). Life that does not speak corrupt word, but good word that may impact grace to the hearers. Life that does not allow bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice. Life that is full of kindness, compassionate to one another and forgiving each other. (Eph.4:29-32) Brethren, give your attention to this Bible passage, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the gentiles, that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter.2:11-12) Remember, when the Jews took up stones again to stone Jesus, the simple question He asked them was, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? The Jews answered Him saying, “For good work we do not stone You,” (John.10:31-33) The scripture is encouraging you and I that even in the midst of trial, suffering, persecution, we are not found wanting. We should be consistent in godly living so much that every of our conducts bring glory to God and witness for Christ. It is then that our light can so shine before men. Evangelism We can let our light so shine before men by telling them the good news of the Gospel. Jesus is still saving the lost. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre