light can't help but shine

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ~Matthew 5:14

I love these two statements of Christ because of the matter-of-"factness" in which they are said. He doesn't encourage us to be a light or pray for us to desire it. He doesn't tell us to set ourselves up on a hill or stop hiding. Instead, He reiterates to all those who claim Him what they actually are: a light and a city.

A light will naturally shine. It can't help itself. As long as power is running through it, light will emit from it. It goes the same for those who are in Christ. Because of who He is, Christ can't help but shine. He is too wonderful, good, loving, holy (the list goes on) for people not to see Him. Therefore His people have no choice but to shine forth His glory. We can't help it. Of course there are days when the light is shaded by our failures and stumbles. This will continue as long we live in this fallen world. However, Christ shines nonetheless. We are the light because He is the light. It is impossible for us to separate ourselves from this.

A city naturally stands out from its surroundings. I can't think of a time where I accidentally stumbled upon a city. I always see it coming miles before I actually reach it. There are too many lights, tall buildings, and other wonders to see past them. Again, it is the same for those who are in Christ. Christ is the city. In the Old Testament there were cities that displayed the greatness of its rulers and those which provided a haven to those in need of protection. Christ represents both types. He is the physical display of the Father's glory, while being the refuge for those needing healing and rest. As ambassadors of Christ with His Spirit dwelling in us, we are those cities as well. We put God's glory on display by worshiping Him in all we do. We offer refuge to those in need by caring for all their needs. Of course there are days when our crime and corruption seem to dominate our city. This will continue until we are given our new bodies. However, we are still the city where Christ is King.

My trip to India is wrapped around my status as a light and a city. I pray all those who meet me will see Christ shining through me. As John the baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (3:30). He is going to shine regardless, but there is incredible blessings to be had when we let ourselves be the ones He is shining through.