Thank you for listening to the Cultivating Growth Podcast, where each and every week we spend some time talking about an area of our life, spiritual life specifically, where we can grow in that area and in essence grow closer in our relationship with God. This week, we're going to talk about cultivating the growth when it comes to being a light in the world.

The example that we have, that everybody sees, and the way that we can grow. And showcasing that good example. So I'm looking forward to our conversation and with that, let's get right to it.  Jeremy, this idea of being a light in the world is something that's kind of been on our minds. Here at Trader's Point recently, we just finished up Vacation Bible School recently where this was the theme for the week being a light in the world.

And so we're going to talk a little bit today about how we can grow as lights in this world. And you know, this idea, it really comes from Matthew chapter five is Jesus presents the Sermon on the Mount. And he says that his followers are going to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

That's the language that Jesus will use in Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16. And so then that begs the question, well, what does it really mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? It's one thing to hear that and to kind of see the visual in our heads, But then to put that into practice day in and day out, how do we really become lights in this world?

And what does it mean to grow as a light in this world? I think it's a a deeper concept that certainly develops even with age and maturity. You begin to understand more clearly what God intends for us to be in this world. But clearly He is pointing to our example that we set for other people. The way we conduct ourselves Ourselves, the way we handle ourselves, all of that is to bring about light in this world in the same way that Christ himself brought light into a very, very dark world.

Yeah. And you know, when we start talking about the idea of example, I mean, listen, there's a reality that everybody at all times is an example in some way, right? I mean, you can be a great example as we're called to be from Christ. You can be a. a bad example, you know, for people to, you know, do people to look for, or you can be a limited example in a lot of ways.

And so when we think about the idea of being the kind of example that crisis has called us to be, that's why I like Matthew chapter five, because you do have that visual of the salt. Do you have that visual of the light is something that's helpful, something that's good, something that brightens a dark world.

And so you have this incredible visual where.  Christ has called us to be lights in the world, and to be, to be confident about that, to not be ashamed of that, to be proud about that, to put that on a, you know, on a hill, to put that on a lamp stand, not to cover it up in any capacity, but to be proud of that, and to be, to be in front of that.

with those kinds of things. And so, you know, certainly there is a clarity that the kind of example that he's asking us to be is righteous and the kind of example. But also, I think we've got to be aware of  the, the, the, the pride that we can have in that the confidence maybe is a better word that we can have in that.

You know, I did a lesson on this not too long ago from from chapter five. And one of the points that I really, really resonated with in that lesson was that light fundamentally changes its environment at all times. There is no amount of darkness that can overwhelm light.  If you are in a dark room, you can't see what's in there.

Maybe you can make out some silhouettes of some things, but you can't really see who's in there, what's in there, where you're supposed to go. But light immediately changes that environment. It immediately changes the entire scene around you. And that I think is what Jesus is really getting to with this illustration that he's using.

We are to be the kind of people that change our environments. From the second that we walk in to a place, that environment has changed because we are the light of the world, the way that Jesus wants us to be. We are the kind of person that he wants us to be. The way we conduct ourselves. And the way that he wants us to, and the impact that has is noticeable almost immediately the same way that turning on a light in a dark room is noticeable immediately.

That's the type of impact that we should have. Now that's a big, big ask of people, but that is the responsibility that we have. And so that means that everywhere I go, people should know that I'm a Christian, not because to your point, I'm, I'm. prideful about that or just blaring it out everywhere I go, but because I'm different from the world.

And because of that, I stand out. I'm not what everyone else is. I don't talk like everyone else. I don't dress like everyone else. I don't act like everyone else. I stand for a higher power than myself. And those types of characteristics bring light to this dark world. And it changes the environment around me.

I know, you know, listen, I don't want to jump full into, you know, kind of the application side of things and, you know, how it is that we can grow. But, you know, as, you know, I made mention a moment ago and as you just made mention, I think we've got to, we've got to come to grips that in those times, and that's, you know, Predominantly, what is going to be is we are called to be a light in a dark world.

And often that's going to be very few around us or alone, even at times. But we've got to not, not just be okay with that, you know, not just with the attitude of, well, you know, that's just what I'm supposed to be. I'm a Christian. That's what God wants. And just, I guess I'm okay with that, but to be proud of that, to, to understand that this is showcasing the relationship that I have with Christ.

And it's an important thing and so important that I want everyone else around me to have this relationship with Christ. And so to have then the confidence to say, well, the example that I'm showcasing for other people, it would be good for you to follow my example and to have the confidence. I mean, that's what we see.

I mean, you think about kind of in other places where this comes out, you know, certainly with Jesus himself and John chapter 13, he's washing the feet of the apostles.  And he makes the point, he says, listen, I've done this, and I've left you an example, and you should follow that example. And he had confidence in that.

Paul does that on multiple different occasions, where he'll say, listen, be imitators of me. He has the confidence. Be imitators of me as I am an imitator of Christ. Or Philippians chapter 4, at the end of that, or towards the end of that in verse 9, where he makes the point that, you know, the things that you have seen in me, and heard in me, these things do.

And so, he has confidence. Is that that confidence in his relationship with Christ that this is the best way, even though he is a light in darkness, even though he is you know,  Having persecution and difficulty, he still is carrying himself with the unashamed kind of attitude of I'm going to be a light because my relationship with Christ is everything to me.

And I think as we come to recognize that and kind of see that example in Scripture, then In a very practical way, one of the things we can do to grow in this area is to find the people in our lives who are the brightest lights in the room,  and we watch them, and we talk to them, and we learn from them, and we sit at their feet, and we allow them to share wisdom with us,  and through that process, Our lights become brighter because we are recognizing the example that someone else is setting for me to follow.

And so in the same way that you just referenced, Jesus set an example for us to follow, Paul set in an example for us to follow. People today can still set examples for us to follow. And so when we find those bright lights, let's watch them and talk to them and learn from them. That that's how we can grow in this area too.

There, there are so many people that are just popping into my head right now. That when they walk into the room, I mean, everybody's face just lights up, you know, because they are, they are such a breath of fresh air. There's such a source of positivity and encouragement. And those are the kind of people that I want to learn from and that I want to spend time around.

And so I can grow as a light in this world by actively spending time around other people that I see succeeding in this area and doing so extremely successfully. What are they doing that I can learn from so that I can be a brighter light myself? Yeah, and we have to always be mindful of the fact that we've got to be cognizant of the people that we're spending our time with, that we're following their example, but also come to that realization that  People are looking all the time.

All the time watching. You know, we often talk about that with our kids. I mean, that's an easy example to kind of, you know, use in this discussion on examples, right? Is that our kids are looking at us all the time. They're always watching. And that's right, we need to be thinking about it as parents for sure.

But just as a person, I need to be cognizant of that, that no matter where I am, strangers are watching me and looking at me. And we've got to be aware of that. And that means that in, in every facet of my life, because I am a Christian, I need to be showcasing Christ all the time, right? In every aspect of my life, not just in a few aspects that, you know, in these areas, I'm a good example.

And because I'm a good example there, in these other areas, I Don't necessarily have to be a good example. There's no turning that off, if you will.  I love what Paul says to Timothy, another, you know, passage that we'll often, you know, cite and use when it comes to, you know, being an example. But sometimes we miss the very end of that, the very, in 1 Timothy chapter 4, verse 12, when he says, Let no one despise your youth, but be an example, and, you know, there's a point certainly to be made.

But think about what he says after that. So, be an example to the believers, and then he gives this list in word. In conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. He's basically making the point that in all aspects, in all aspects, you are, you are an example to the people around you. Even as a young person, you are an example to the people around you.

That really drives home the point to me that there's always room for growth in this area.  Maybe, you know, you can kind of sit back and say, yeah, I'm a light in this world. And you can say that very broadly and generically, but I think that's a great example that you pointed out of, of Paul bringing very specific situations in which you can be an example in this area and in this area and in this area and in this area.

And we start going down a list like that, we're certainly going to find a multitude of ways in which we can grow in certain areas of our lives. And so I think that would be a good challenge for all of us to take this understanding that Christ wants us to be a light to this world, but take that somewhat generic directive and start to boil it down to the specifics.

And he wants you to be an example here and here and here, and in this way, and in this way, and in this way. And find the areas where, eh, maybe I'm not quite as bright of a light in this area as I could be or that Christ would want me to be. Here's an area where I can seek to grow in. And that's where, again, we can find people who are bright lights in those areas to learn from and to grow with and alongside.

Spend time in prayer. Talk to God about those things. If there's, if there's areas of our lives where, We see, we're not really being the kind of example that we should be talk to God about that, ask for his help as we try to grow in these areas, he's faithful to help us and provide us the tools necessary to be the light in this world that he wants us to be.

But I think that it's important for us to challenge ourselves. to be specific in all of these different walks of life and to see where that growth can take place. Yeah, and you know, one specific area that we've not talked about yet that we can spend just a second in, in kind of talking about, is, you know, being a light and being a good example is a massive, major key component to evangelism.

Yeah. I, it, it is. It, it makes, it can make all the difference, both on the good and the bad side. That by being a good example, the, the positive impact that it can have.  On evangelism now, listen words are still going to be needed to tell people about jesus but showcasing I mean, it's philippians chapter one where paul is having christ be magnified in his body, right?

It is a huge part of evangelism but yet not just positive, it can have a huge negative impact in the area of evangelism. If you aren't living up to what God would have you to be, again, people are watching. And so we've got to be aware of that and to know that when it comes to evangelism, which is Every one of us are called to be thinking about and be participating in our example.

The light that we are showcasing, you know, to the world per Matthew 5 is a huge component to that area. It really is, and that's a great point. I think that's a great place to kind of wrap this conversation up because it really highlights the fact that there are a lot of areas in which we are called to be light.

Thanks. And we have to take that responsibility so seriously. We, we always have to be cognizant of the fact that people are watching and that we have an opportunity to set an example. And Jesus was the perfect example of that. He is someone who all eyes were on Jesus. Steering his time on earth.

Everybody was waiting for him to slip up. Everybody was waiting for him to make a mistake, and, and yet he walked perfectly as the example that he set for us today. And so I thought we could end in John chapter eight, as Jesus makes that point and connects his life to this idea of light that we've been talking about today in John eight, in verse 12, it says, then Jesus spoke to them again saying.

I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.  Thank you for listening this week. If you haven't already done so, we'd appreciate it if you would take just a second to subscribe to the podcast, whatever platform you're listening, rate and review the show so we can continue to spread the good news of Jesus widely and effectively as possible.

Thanks again for joining us this week, and we'll talk again next week.