YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MAY 14

 

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

 
We are situated in a dark world.
 
We have received light,
  the light of truth and holiness, and
   we are to let our light shine.
 
Jesus is the sun,
from whom we receive our light; and
like the moon we do not receive light for only ourselves,
but to reflect it on others.
 
Let us then inquire,
   How does the light shine?
 
Is it bright and cheerful?
   —attractive and steady?
   —mild and free?
 
Where does our light shine?
 
In the school-room?
   —in the chamber of affliction?
   —in the abodes of poverty and misery?
   —in the lurking-places of ignorance and vice?
 
In what form does our light shine?
 
In kind words?
   —in occasional visits?
   —in religious tracts?
   —in well timed donations?
 
What has our light done?
 
Has it dried the widow’s tears?
   —supplied the orphan’s wants?
   —conducted sinners to the house of prayer?
   —induced some to repair to the cross?
   —comforted others on the banks of the Jordan?
 
If we are the lights of the world we should shine, or darkness will reign.
 
As we are but lamps, we should be careful to get plenty of oil.
 
Often go to be trimmed.
 

Not for ourselves the light of grace

Didst thou on us bestow,

But for the world’s benighted race,

Thy darken’d house below:

Thy candlesticks thy churches are,

Thy truth and goodness to declare.

 
James Smith