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True Character Radiates from Within, October 1
Ye are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14
.
“Ye are the light of the world.” The Jews thought to confine the benefits of
salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the
sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be
confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is
not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully
laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business
transaction and in all our social relations.
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within.
If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteous-
ness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim
the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth.
The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active,
benevolent spirit, the godly example—these are the mediums through which light
is conveyed to the world.—
The Desire of Ages, 306, 307
.
As the sun goes forth on its errand of love, dispelling the shades of night and
awakening the world to life, so the followers of Christ are to go forth on their
mission, diffusing the light of heaven upon those who are in the darkness of error
and sin.
In the brilliant light of the morning, the towns and villages upon the surround-
ing hills stood forth clearly, making an attractive feature of the scene. Pointing to
them, Jesus said, “A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” And He added, “Neither do
men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto
all that are in the house” (
Matthew 5:14, 15
, R.V.).
Most of those who listened to the words of Jesus were peasants and fishermen
whose lowly dwellings contained but one room, in which the single lamp on its
stand shone to all in the house. Even so, said Jesus, “Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven” (
verse 16
).
No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen man save that which
emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate
the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, “In him was life;
and the life was the light of men” (
John 1:4
). It was by receiving of His life that
His disciples could become light bearers. The life of Christ in the soul, His love
revealed in the character, would make them the light of the world.—
Thoughts
from the Mount of Blessing, 39, 40
.
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