You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
-Matthew 5:14-16-
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Jesus did not come to earth and offer His life so we could be like everybody else. He was (is) willing to link His reputation to ours, so why are we willing to be like the rest of the world?
Have we been seduced by the world’s ideas?
Have we become lovers of money and gossip?
Forgotten the sacredness of marriage?
Are we allowing our sin nature to be fed through grudges and anger?
Do we spend our life showing mercy, caring about those around us, and striving for honesty and integrity, or are we living a life of self-gratification?
The command to reflect Christ spread across the world and into all cultures and various churches throughout the New Testament, even into the book of Revelation.
Despite the temples to false gods, shrines, orgies, and laws to worship the Caesar, they were still called to be set apart. To live a life without compromise. To reflect God in a world and culture where very few did.
I want my Lord to be able to say to me that "I know our deeds, your love, your faithfulness, and your perseverance..." (Revelation 2:19)
As believers in Jesus Christ, I am called.
Chosen.
Part of a royal Priesthood.
A counter-culture.
This means that my actions should set me apart.
Jesus died on that cross and shed His blood to save me.
He chose me.
Why?
To be a reflection of Him.
