We are told that the sun is approximately 865000 miles in diameter. It is more than 100 times the diameter of the earth. It appears to be the largest and brightest of the stars visible to the eye, but actually it is among the smallest and faintest. The illusion arises from the comparative nearness of the sun to the earth. It is 93 million miles from earth; yet, the next nearest star is nearly 300,000 times as far away. The planets in the Milky Way Galaxy revolve around the sun and from it they receive and reflect their luminosity.

In like manner, Christianity revolves around the Son of God. From Him, Christians receive and reflect their luminosity. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Mt. 5:14). Christians are challenged to ".. walk in the light" (Eph. 5:8). To compare Christians to light is an appropriate metaphor since the world lies in the darkness of sin (Phil. 2:15). Christians have been delivered from the domain of darkness" (001. 1:13) while ". . the whole world lies in the power of the evil one"(l Jn. 5:19). It is fitting, then, that Christians be described as lights in the world.

Light is indispensable to life. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants harness the energy of the sunlight as it is absorbed by chlorophyll to build organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water. Without this process plants cannot grow and develop and the vegetable kingdom would disappear. Likewise, Christians are indispensable to the spiritual life that is found in Christ. Into their hands has been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19). Christ's great commission demands that we impact the world for His name's sake (Mt. 28:19).

Light reveals and illuminates. A function of the sun, moon, stars, and electric lights, etc. is to dispel darkness. Because Christians have been freed from the bondage of sin we are no longer to participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them" (Eph. 5:13). It may be that the world is surprised that the Christian does not participate in the same kind of conduct in which it participates and may even malign the Christian (1 Pt. 4:4). After all, those in darkness do not like the exposure of light(Jn. 3:19-20), but we are to remain faithful to Him who is the light of the world (Jn. 8:12).

Light guides. Ships entering dangerous harbors need the guidance of a lighthouse. Airplanes landing at airports during the night need lighted runways. Sinful man whose eternal hope is being dashed upon the destructive rocks of sin needs the light of God's truth. Christians are in a position to share that light. "God is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).

Light is conspicuous. It is meant to be seen. There can be no such thing as secret discipleship, for either the secrecy destroys the discipleship, or the discipleship destroys the secrecy. Jesus said, Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Mt. 5:15-16).

A noted business leader once said, "An institution may spread itself over the entire world and may employ a hundred thousand people, but the average person will form his judgment of it through his contact with one individual. If that person is rude or inefficient, it will take a lot of kindness and efficiency to overcome his bad impression. Every member of an organization who comes in contact with the public is a salesman and the impression he makes is influential - good or bad!" Be sure that Christ is reflected in our lives for all to see. "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me..."

- Roger Johnson