Light of the World

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 it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

When I was in my late twenties, there was a lady I had befriended who truly was a living testimony of Matthew 5:14-16. She consistently walked around with a glow about her- like all was well in her world. Even through various trials and tribulations, unless she told you that she was going through, you would’ve never known. She had such a beautiful spirit. I remember thinking, I want that. I want what she has. Turns out, it was her faith and relationship with God that made her light shine as bright as it did. Over the years I’ve tried to emulate her attitude, behavior, and strengthen my faith. I finally felt that I was on the right track when a business associate started calling me “Sunshine.” Each time she’d call me that, I’d think of that verse above.

But I’ve been thinking. Sure it’s easy to let your light shine around people you like and respect, but I wonder what those other people see when they see us. I’m talking about the ones who are always negative, or have a “Woe is me” attitude whenever you see them. I’m embarrassed to say – those are usually the ones I stay clear of. It’s already hard enough to maintain a positive attitude, but you have to work even harder to maintain it with people like that – but isn’t that what we’re suppose to do? Be a light to a dark world?

What are your thoughts about the subject?