Being a light

“Jesus calls us believers ‘the light of the world’”

Life as a christian is not that different to life as a non-christian. We go to the same schools, exercise in the same gyms (when it’s open and safe!) and buy clothes from the same stores. On the outside you really can’t tell much of a difference between those who have a faith in Jesus and those who don’t. And yet Jesus says that something actually happens with the people who receive him. In the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus calls us believers “the light of the world”, and by that he means that we carry his light in our lives and can make a difference in the world and the people we meet. Maybe “the world” seems too big and out of reach, but the world you are in - school - needs light too. Now more than ever!

“When there is not enough light, life starts to die.”

Being a light means that your function is shining. You carry Jesus' light that can transform both humans and situations. The only thing we need to do ourselves is to not hide the light, but let it show. Light gives life. Most things that are alive and grow need light to survive. When there is not enough light, life starts to die. Jesus wants to use you who are christian at your school to give hope to students and friends where hope is starting to die. You can shine the light of God and give life to a tough situation, and maybe be the person who gets others to raise their gaze. You are a completely normal teenager, but also completely different. You are a light in the world of your school. 

“You are a light in the world of your school.”

Light also gives warmth. Suddenly we can no longer take meeting people however we want for granted and more people that ever are alone in the middle of a pandemic. Jesus calls his disciples today to do the same as his disciples did while Jesus walked the earth: “Let your light shine!” Taking it on yourself to call someone, send a message or choose to be there for someone with problems are real ways to shine. You can surely think of more ways, you know what your friends are going through right now. Be generous with your light! When it shines it gives others a chance to warm themselves.

“You give life. You give warmth”

Regardless of whether you are part of a large New Generation-group or the only christian at your school, you make a difference when you shine. You give life. You give warmth. Many lights that shine together can light up a whole country! So come on, you completely normal but different teenager, let your light shine!