¹² having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

It’s probably the most-frequently used reference in modern American politics—the reference to America as a “city upon a hill.” Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Obama all quoted it, as well as many other leaders. It’s a reference to the words of the Puritan John Winthrop based on Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:14-16).

The core of Jesus’ words on this subject are found in verse 14: “You are the light of the world.” The paradox of these words is that He later says that He is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). What He meant was that when His light is in us, we too become the light of the world. He lightens the world through us! We become like a brightly lit city on top of a hill, a guide and source for others. In the streets, our light is revealed by our good works which causes others to offer praise directed to God.

Do you want to be a light to the world? Make sure there is no cloud of sin or darkness blocking the light of Jesus Christ in you. 

Light reveals righteousness, and it also reveals sin. 

~ Theodore Epp

¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

A medical research study analyzed post-traumatic responses of cancer patients, one of which was found to be “stronger faith in God.” One participant in the study said, “I am a Christian, believing that everything that God has allowed to happen in my life has a purpose. Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I was at first very confused and sad as to why it should happen to me. But I can only do what I can control and surrender the rest to God. Since then I really experience the real meaning of knowing how much He loves me and makes me worthy in His eyes (Ephesians 3:17-19).”

There are only three places to look in life: inward, outward, and upward. And trials can help us (cause us) to look in all three directions. Looking inward, we can check our response to the trial. Looking outward, we can see how our response is impacting others. And looking upward, we can renew our faith in the One who causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

If you are going through a trial or test, look in all three directions. What you discover may become a blessing, or possibly a correction, you hadn’t anticipated. 

Temptation provokes me to look upward to God.

Warning Against Idleness

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Last December, Donzella Washington walked across the stage to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work at Alabama A&M University. She graduated magna cum laude. At eighty, she became A&M’s oldest graduate. “Even though there were a lot of tears and late-night studying at 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning, I was determined. I never felt like quitting,” she said. Now Donzella plans to work on her master’s degree and volunteer at nursing homes.

We should guard against the desire to quit. Sometimes we grow weary in the work, but we should never become weary of the work the Lord gives us to do. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 warns against becoming “weary and discouraged in [our] souls.”

God has done so much for us. We should never become weary in doing good for Him. Make up your mind to stay enthused, determined, and active in whatever task God gives you today. Never grow weary in doing good. It’s always too soon to quit.

Can we be casual in the work of God—casual when the house is on fire, and people are in danger of being burned?

~ Duncan Campbell