You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16 14
Jesus says that if the church will just be who it’s supposed to be then we won’t even be able to hide the light. The church is supposed to standout. It’s supposed to be weird…just a good weird—a winsomely weird.
In Romans 12:14-16, Jesus gives us five commands that serve as lamps to light up our city on a hill.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. - Romans 12:14-16
These are five aspects of what it looks like for the church to live on mission:
1.) A resilient love that chooses to bless regardless of how people treat you
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
”Humility does not feel a right to better treatment than Jesus got.” - John Piper
Practical Application: Who’s treating you like an enemy? Pray for them and think through how you can bless them.
2.) A fearlessness that chooses to be with people regardless of their circumstances
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Practical Application: Where are people in your LifeGroup or community mourning or rejoicing? Go be there. If they’re celebrating, bring a gift or food, and make it a party. If they’re mourning, bring some tissues and go reflect God who loves them in their pain.
3.) A grace that chooses to make peace with people regardless of conflict
Live in harmony with one another.
“If grace is true, Christians should be the least offended people in the world.” - Scott Sauls
Practical Application: Who are you in relational conflict with right now? Have you done everything you possibly can to make peace?
4.) A security that chooses to embrace people regardless of their social status
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Practical Application: Who is the hardest person that God has put around you to love? How can you go out of your way to befriend, engage, and love them this week? Check out our upcoming Serve the City events for opportunities to love and serve the most vulnerable in our city.
5.) A humility that chooses to respect people regardless of their views
Never be wise in your own spirit.
“It's impossible to love someone you disagree with when you secretly believe they need Jesus more than you do.” - Duke Kwon
Practical Application: What aspects of another person are most likely to make you feel superior to them? Pray for continued gospel reminders and a renewed humility.