Light & City

"You are the light of thew world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid."

(Matthew 5:14)

This is another one of those "Christian sayings" that have become quite recognizable by those of us "in the church."  But we often overlook the power of its (simple) message.  A couple of insights stand out to me as I look at what Jesus says here...

• "Light of the world"... Just about everything needs light to survive (okay, maybe the naked mole rat can do without it, but not much else!).  Jesus is calling us (as his followers) the LIGHT that the world needs.  We have a purpose & function for OTHERS.  It's not just about us & doing whatever we want that takes care of us.  We are to live for others' benefit.  Are we?
• "A city built on a hill"... I've been to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland twice.  Once you arrive anywhere in that city, your eyes are drawn to the castle.  Why?  Because it's built on a hill, and can be seen by all!  Everyone knows it's there.  Jesus says that we're like that.  We're a city built on a hill.  We can't be hid.  We can't keep a "low profile" throughout life... minding our own business.  We're meant to be seen by others!  We're meant to be a (positive) example!  That might be a lot of pressure, if we had to do it all ourselves.  But Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  He can help us be all that He's created us to be.  But again, we're created to be a blessing to OTHERS!  May it be so in my life.