Becoming a Place of Refuge

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus declared, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5:14, 16. What a privilege it is to be the light of the world!

It is an interesting strategy Jesus had for us, as sinful as we are, to be a light for others. Yet, He shares that when we do things unselfishly for others, we give them hope, enabling them to see our Father in heaven. Jesus desires His church to be a place of refuge for those who are hurting; a place where people are praying to be a blessing to others. Do you feel like a light to those within your circle of influence?

Ellen G. White powerfully asserts in The Ministry of Healing: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, ‘Follow Me.’” 

Notice, He didn’t start with the invitation, He started with love. He started by caring for them, and Jesus invites you to do the same.

There are so many people looking for the light. These people are our neighbors: people in food deserts, people who struggle with poverty, people who suffer from education inequalities, people who have lost everything, people who are suffering, people who need work and people who have no idea that they even matter to God.

When Jesus-loving people deliberately sacrifice their own time, energy or resources to help somebody else for no strategic reason at all, a cynical world sits up and takes notice. That causes others to say, “Maybe there’s something here that I need to pay attention to.”

Would you pause right now and ask God for opportunities to be a blessing to someone? Tell Him, “I am ready to let my light shine.” Then, ask Him to help you build a city on a hill that cannot be hidden—not a literal construction, but an environment that exudes positivity, one that is a place of refuge. 

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Jesus’ sole plan for His followers was to touch the world. Are you involved in acts of compassion that cause people to say, “I would like to know more about this God of light?” Have you become a place of refuge? 

By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min.President