“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Let your light shine before men. Hold forth the Word of Life. Say to the perishing, “Come”.
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:16)
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
Let your light shine before men. In illustration of this, Jesus says, Men do not light a candle to put it under a bushel, but to set it on a candlestick. This is an intimation that those who receive the light of the truth do not receive it for their own advantage merely; but for exhibition to all around. They are lights kindled by God for irradiation into the surrounding darkness. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every believer to exhibit the light, both in word and deed, whether the darkness comprehend it or not. This is the meaning of Christ’s last message: “Let him that heareth say, Come.” Every man having the truth who hides it for whatever reason or fails to show it to the extent in his power is, therefore, disobedient. There is nothing in this commandment inconsistent with the other which forbids the parade of our good deeds before men to obtain their praise.
— Robert Roberts, The Christadelphian: Volume 12. 2001, c1875
Hear Now These Words 