City On A Hill

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:15-16

Many years ago Bruce and I went to California because of a work obligation on his part. One of the most breathtaking views was the one experienced from a ferry as we approached the city of Sausalito. I was taken aback with the beauty of its horizon as the beautiful homes peppered the rolling landscape. No one home towered over the other but each had an ordinary and humble beauty of its own creating a collective beauty in the city.

We have a city on the hill in Christ that shines as a beacon for those who approach. We each have an ordinary life with an extraordinary Light to shine through if we will use our adversities for the glory of God. If we selfishly take our pain and our circumstances and do not share it with others we will become ineffective in making this city shine. We must follow God’s instructions and live a life of transparency by placing our trials and God’s faithfulness in view for others to witness.

Those who do not know Christ are on the ferry searching for a place where they can feel at home. They are looking for a harbor for which to anchor where they can find accommodations, nourishment and provisions. They are longing for a place to live where the community opens their arms through encouragement and love.

The brighter we shine our individual light the more radiant the city becomes in its appeal to those weary travelers.