This Sunday, we continued our series ‘City of Lights’ by delving into the concept of mission and how it applies to each and every individual, drawing insights from the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5.
The notion of mission often brings to mind images of daring missionaries traveling to distant lands to spread the gospel. However, the essence of mission goes beyond geographical boundaries; it is about embracing a purposeful assignment entrusted to us by God.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 (NIV)
He calls us to:
Understand the Mission
The core idea of living on mission is not constrained to a select group of individuals but extends to all believers. When we accepted Jesus into our lives, we also accepted the call to be on mission with Him. This mission transcends mere words; it is about embodying the light of Christ in our actions and interactions with others. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the salt and light of the world, preserving, purifying, and seasoning the world with the love and truth of Jesus.
Shine as Lights
The analogy of a city on a hill exemplifies our role as believers to shine brightly in the midst of darkness. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, we are called to stand out and illuminate the world with the light of Christ. This imagery encapsulates the profound responsibility we have to reflect the light of Jesus in all aspects of our lives. We are called to be the light that dispels darkness wherever we go, revealing the glory and love of God to those around us.
Drawing inspiration from Sheffield’s landscape built on hills, we are reminded of our mission to be a city on many hills, radiating the light of Christ in diverse ways. Just as Sheffield stands out with its prominent hills, we are encouraged to stand out in our communities as beacons of hope and love. Our mission is not confined to a specific place but encompasses every hill and valley of life, reaching out to those in need with the transformative message of the gospel.
Reflect Christ’s Light and Illuminate Valleys
As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in all that we do. Our mission is to illuminate the valleys of despair, doubt, and hardship with the radiance of God’s love. Just as Sheffield’s hills overlook the valleys, we are called to provide comfort, guidance, and support to those facing challenges. Our light shines brightest in the darkest moments, offering reassurance and hope to those in need.
Just as Sheffield’s hills coexist in harmony, we are called to unity as the body of Christ. Our light shines brightest when we come together in love and solidarity, transcending barriers and spreading the message of Christ’s love to all. Our collective mission is to illuminate the world with the transformative power of the gospel, touching lives and communities with the light of Jesus.
The call to mission is not exclusive to the few but a call to the many, it extends to each believer, empowering us to be the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope and love.
This week, wherever you go, let us embrace our mission with fervor and dedication, shining brightly in our spheres of influence and illuminating the world with the transformative message of the gospel.
Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, may our light shine forth, leading others to the source of all light and life – Jesus Christ.
