The light of the world

[Rebecca]

The news has always been filled with doom and gloom, but due to the events of the past few months, the doom and gloom seems to have inundated every aspect of life. Recently I have read articles explaining that some people are so unable to cope with enforced isolation that they have taken their own lives. The articles warn that similar cases will increase before this current epidemic has been brought under control and life returns to normal. 

Unfortunately many churches/pastors have embraced this doom and gloom mentality, their only focus seems to be on what has been lost due to the church doors being shut. They seem to be spinning in circles, unable to help themselves, their congregations, or their community. This ought not to be. 

Matthew 5:14-16 

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus said that we Christians are a light to the world. This should be at all times, not just the good when the church doors are open, but every day of the week. Especially in times like this when confusion has taken hold of everyone. Peoples lives have been shaken upside down and many are without hope. Now, more than ever, our communities need to see the light of Jesus. They need hope and encouragement. 

In today's Sunday school lesson, we read from Romans chapter twelve. In this chapter, Paul lists several things Christians should be doing, and it was a great reminder to me that Christians today need to be reading this chapter and pray about what they can do to be a help to others.  

Romans 12 

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

So, based on Romans 12, what can YOU do today, tomorrow, the next day.... to be a help and a blessing to: your family, your church, your community? I'd like this thread to be filled with positive ways we can be a light to the world, whether we are stuck in our houses or whether we are still able to move around and interact with people. You can list anything that you're doing personally, or what your church family is doing, or your community is doing. 

Here are some positive things I've seen people doing:

• how-to videos on how to use youtube
• how-to videos on how to make masks
• recording themselves singing uplifting songs and posting to social media sites
• making boxed lunches/delivering groceries or other supplies for those unable to leave their homes
• singing for the community on front lawns or from balconies

This is just a short list of things I've seen today. If I dig through the various social media sites I'm a part of, I could find many more. But, I just wanted to encourage everyone here to think of ways you can be light to the world. And if you're one of those needing help, please ask. We may not be able to personally help, but we may be able to reach out in other ways. Please remember you are not alone and are loved. 

 

[Alan]

Thank you for this good Sunday school lesson on, "Ye are the Light of the World," based on  Matthew 5:14-16 and Romans 12:1-21.

It reminded me of the story of Dorcas in Acts 9:36-43 and how she, "...was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Acts 9:36b.