"You are light for all the world. . . . When a lamp is lit, it is not put under the meal-tub, but on the lamp-stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellows, so that, when they see the good you do, they may give praise to your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16, N.E.B.

What does it mean to be a light to the world? Obviously it means that we dispel the darkness in whatever situation we find ourselves. As lights we live in such a way that we show others the way to God. We are concerned to communicate Christ, to create fellowship, to raise the level of truth in the minds of people.

We are not to be an island unto ourselves. We are to be noticed and known as Christians, not for our sakes, but for the glory of God. We are to be so spiritually alive as Christians that there is no possibility that people will take us for unbelievers. We are to capture the attention of people for Christ.

If as Christians we are married, there will be light in the home—the light of love, joy, and peace rather than hostility, darkness, and discord. What are we to do with situations that bring gloom into the home, the church, and the community? Precisely here we are to be the light of life, the hope of people's tomorrow.

Every time Christ came face to face with people He brought light to darkened minds and hearts. He sat one day with the woman of Samaria and opened one chapter after another from her life. He met the woman taken in adultery and knew everything about her. With one word Jesus could have called up the long record of departures from integrity, but He said, "I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more." The life of everyone who met Christ was enlightened in some way. In place of bitterness and hostility there was love and friendship. The sorrows and sins that weighed men down disappeared.

How practical it is to be that kind of Christian—to shine for Christ. No complicated theology, is required here. Jesus wanted the life of His followers to be radiant. The Christian is really made for life and living. We cannot keep company with Christ without this happening to us. Christ in us will make us a light to the world.