City built on a hill cannot be hid

In this period we have the topic of “Let it shine” being spoken about at DR:UM. I think one of the main verses that correspond to this topic is from Matthew 5: 14 - 16:

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

I can imagine in those times Jesus would have been speaking to people who travelled on boats and from the water you made the distinction between a small fishing village and a city by the sprawling nature of the city spreading out from the water or even when on foot you would see a tower from the city at the distance at the highest point. People wanted to know where the cities were and go to them for trade and commerce.

In the Sermon on the Mount even Jesus sought out a mount to teach from. I can relate with the joy of people searching for Jesus back then and finding the group prominently visible. My favourite empanada place in Maastricht, Argentino is really nice, but a bit hard to point out to friends until you are right in front of it.

As Christians we are called to be a light on the hill that others can rally to and draw strength from. I see examples at work of fellow believers being encouraged when they see me share about my faith, or when I get to share the story of how I met my fiancé. Or just in my everyday when something stressful happens and instead of panicking we pray and find peace even when there is turmoil all around (as experienced while boarding a recent flight from Switzerland)

I have heard a lot about other people sharing their light and how people boldly speak wherever they are about their faith, and I used to feel bad when I found it hard to share about my faith openly. However as I grow in my faith I have realised that it matters less what I do and it matters much more why I do it. I have learnt that I can be myself and as long as my heart is to glorify God I can shine His light through everything I do. However it happens very often that we get complacent where we are at and it is important to always seek out things outside your comfort zone so you can grow as well in how you shine your light.

So all I am saying is: Go boldly and remember you are blessed to be a blessing to others, shine your light and let everyone see the good works that God is working through you! Even in this remember that God does call you to submit and grow in new and interesting ways!

Shalom!