But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
It is incredible how much impact the smallest amount of light has. One lit candle, one tiny lamp, or one small flashlight pierces through the darkest night and allows us to see clearly. As the creator of light, God is profoundly aware of light's impact on darkness. That is why He calls His people to be lights for Him in this very dark world that needs His hope.
Peter encourages Christ followers to be lights for Christ in 1 Peter 2. In this passage of Scripture, he writes that those who do not follow Christ stumble and fall “because they do not obey God’s word” (verse 8). It is true; those who choose not to follow and obey Christ stumble their way through life. They face much hardship and regret as a result of choosing sin and this world instead of Christ. Peter continues his teaching in this passage of Scripture by explaining that followers of Christ live differently than those who do not follow Him. He writes, “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession” (verse 9). Being chosen by God and His own comes with a responsibility. Look at what Peter writes next: "As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light" (verse 9). Our responsibility, as children of God, is to be lights for Christ by showing others the goodness of God so that they, too, will experience the joy that comes from following Him.
Perhaps Peter wrote the words we studied today in 1 Peter 2 with Jesus’ words from Matthew 5 ringing in his ear. In Matthew 5, Jesus said to a listening crowd, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house" (verse 15). He continued His teaching, saying, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (verse 16). By following and obeying Christ, His light shines through us so that others may come to know Him and praise Him.
Our calling is clear: We are to be a light for Christ in this very dark world. The question is, are we living in such a way that we point others to Him? If not, are we ready to start living this way? This world is dark and in desperate need of the light and hope that Christ has to offer. May we go out into that dark, hopeless world and be a shining light for Him.
In order to bring light to this world, we have to go to dark places. What places are you going to spread the hope of Christ? This could be a local coffee shop you frequent, your child’s sports practice, or a gym you can join to build relationships. Wherever you decide, make a plan to go to dark places where you can build relationships with those who are in need of the hope of Christ. As you go, pray that God will use His light in you to reach those who are in need of His hope.
Matthew 5:1-16
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
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