Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
What it means to be the "Light of the World" - by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
In this reflection, Dr. Bryan Hudson shares a renewed understanding of Jesus’ words, “You are the light of the world.” As he prepared for his sermon, he was reminded that believers are meant to shine light in the world, not just within the church. While fellowship is important, the primary mission is to impact society by addressing darkness with truth, love, and clarity.
Using his experience as a photographer, he compares overexposure—too much light in one place—to what happens when Christians focus only inward. Instead, we must bring light to places of injustice and confusion, including areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion. Speaking into real-world issues is part of the prophetic and biblical calling of God's people.
Dr. Hudson also reflects on Galatians 5:11, noting that the cross is offensive to those who rely on self-righteousness. Jesus' death and resurrection shift the focus from self to service. True purpose is found in reflecting God's light and serving others.
He concludes by urging believers to stop hiding within church walls and let their light shine in the world, as Jesus intended. He invites all to join his upcoming Sunday message on being both the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
Resisting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is foolish, ungodly, and inhumane. The strategies we see against DEI are not wisdom from “above.” The people and their strategies are self-serving – at best.
James 3:15, This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
Matthew 6:10, Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Identifying qualified people from a diverse pool is easy - unless the motivation is affinity bias, or something worse.
DIVERSITY: The practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds.
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
EQUITY: Treat with fairness and justice; Uphold a standard of righteousness
Proverbs 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
2 Samuel 8:15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.
INCLUSION (BELONGING): The practice of providing access to opportunities and resources for people who are excluded or marginalized.
Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared"
Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:11 (Amplified) That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]
