21 Days of Prayer for the Lost: Day 20

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus uses the familiar imagery of a hilltop city and the light of a lamp to illustrate God’s design for how Christians are to live. God calls us as believers, to live lives that are visible and impactful to the world around us.

In ancient times, cities were often strategically built atop hills or elevated plateaus. The location of Jerusalem, which is perhaps the most notable biblical city built on a hill, offered both protection and prominence. It could be seen from the Mount of Olives in the East to the Hinnom Valley in the West.

Similarly, our behavior and our testimony as Christians is visible to the world around us. A concealed Christianity is contrary to God’s purpose for our lives; like trying to hide a city on a hill or light a room by covering a lamp.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16 make it clear that we are called to live out our faith publicly and in such a way that those around us see God in us and are drawn to Him. Jesus calls us to be a light to the world, to live visibly in our community, and to brighten our homes (e.g. our families) with our godly behavior. A true Christian life is a visible and influential life.

Things to pray for today:

Consider the following as you spend time in prayer with the Lord:

• How visible is my light? Do I talk about Christ and demonstrate my Christian faith in my interactions with family, friends, and colleagues?
• Where might I more visibly live for Christ? In my community, my workplace, my neighborhood, my family?
• Do my actions and my words point others to Jesus or do they point to me? Who is getting the glory?

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.