There are so many desires and temptations in this world. This has made some Christians try to separate themselves from the world. Some even go so far as to separate themselves from other Christians! Many of them, rather like turtles, remain inside the shell of their churches and never stick their heads out. In early Church history, this desire to avoid the world's attractions was the main thing that led to the beginning of themonastic movement.
After we read these verses, we ask ourselves, "Does God really ask us to keep ourselves separate from the world? If so, why did he put us in the world?
God put the church in the world so that it might be a light; the church is called to be more than just another stream or option in the world. The church must fulfill its God-given role of making this world a better place, and then seek to invite the lost of the world intothe church. The pillars of any church are its members and its ministers, and all of us are supposed to fulfill our greatest mission, to be preachers to the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), including the sinners, the atheists, and those who live under the suppression of the devil.
Therefore, God's command for us as his church is related to his assurance of the results we will gain from following him. Jesus speaks of the fruit of walking with him, but what is this fruit? It certainly includes the salvation of souls. Jesus has commanded us to be a light to this world. "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
Let us press towards this goal. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are only a few, but let us join together for an even more plentiful harvest.
- 1 DECEMBER -