{"id":16048,"date":"2026-02-06T19:19:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T00:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/?p=16048"},"modified":"2026-02-08T19:35:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T00:35:37","slug":"being-the-light-of-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/16048\/being-the-light-of-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Being the Light of the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello Pastor John,<\/span><\/p>\n

This email is a little long, so sorry in advance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have been thinking about several quotes and stories in the Bible. One, how Jesus talked about turning the other cheek in Luke 6:27-29:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another, where he said if you have a cloak but no sword, to sell it to buy one, Luke 22:36\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said to them, \u2018But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another place, Matthew 26:52, he says that those who live by the sword die by the sword,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen Jesus said to him, \u2018Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And here, Paul tells us that our weapons are not carnal in 2Corinthians 10:4-5,<\/span><\/p>\n

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..”<\/span><\/p>\n

But then in another place, Jesus says we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world\/city on a hill (Matthew 5:13-14).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?\u00a0\u00a0It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people\u2019s feet.\u00a0\u00a0You are the light of the world.\u00a0\u00a0A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure there are more passages that I\u2019m not remembering which say similar messages regarding being the standard and being a light to the world, but this leads me to wonder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the world, there are a lot of evil and simply not holy people and actions.\u00a0\u00a0If we are to do as Paul said and not be entangled in the affairs of this world, how can we also be the light of the world and effect good change in society?\u00a0\u00a0I think of the cases where blatant immorality and evil are promulgated in society through music, politics, or pop culture. This made me wonder:\u00a0If we only do our part in our homes and that which we are immediately responsible for, how does that fulfill Jesus’ commandment to be the light in the world\u00a0<\/u>if the world is not within the realm of our responsibilities? If a lamp is on in your home, adding another lamp helps shed more light, but it is not as necessary as it would be in a dark room without a lamp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing terrorist attacks and rampant evil challenge the presence and acceptance of Christ in society makes me wonder what we should do?\u00a0Are we only to be good and holy for ourselves?<\/u>\u00a0Regardless of what goes on around us? If Jesus told us that we were to be a light,\u00a0how are we a light if we are not standing before others and being that outward example against those who would try to be wicked? <\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

We often see people doing evil in public or behaving inappropriately and just say, “They need Jesus,” and “That is disgusting.”\u00a0But rarely do we ever seem to be the light other than just looking and praying about that situation from a distance.<\/u>\u00a0Given that the world has free will, we see morally wrong things happening to believers everywhere, but\u00a0it feels as if we have our hands tied to help or support them, other than in prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV),\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

How are we to do that if we are obeying Paul\u2019s instructions to not be entangled?\u00a0Is that verse not contradictory to Paul?\u00a0How are we to go into the world proclaiming Christ to others and try to be the change in society without being involved in more than our own homes alone?<\/u>\u00a0I do not necessarily ask because I want to get involved in politics, but I don’t understand\u00a0how we are to effect moral and societal change without being involved in the affairs as Paul advised us not to be.\u00a0If everyone in the world interpreted not being entangled in earthly affairs the same way, evil would go unchecked, correct?\u00a0I just want to understand more and be wise and follow the Spirit when it speaks to me. But that being said, some of the logistics of Christ’s calling to us to himself confuse me logically. I know the Bible will always have verses that may contradict each other in some ways. In some cases, what God tells one person may differ from what he tells another in the same scenario, and that we must obey the Spirit. Sometimes, when looking at a world where so much wrong goes unchecked or is only minimally challenged by good people,\u00a0I feel like we are fighting a spiritual war with our hands tied behind our backs, unable to utilize our full capabilities.<\/u>\u00a0More often than not,\u00a0the commandment to turn the other cheek seems to be referenced more than Jesus flipping tables and whipping wicked men in the temple square.\u00a0Are we truly only to be docile and without fight?\u00a0I do not see how good can win or a good stand be held without some action behind the prayers.\u00a0It’s like if I as a firefighter prayed for the fire to go out but then failed to use the equipment in my hands to stop it.<\/u>\u00a0I realize that I sound like Peter, haha. I don’t mean to sound as if I am itching for a fight, but I am just seeking clarification on the\u00a0“spiritual rules of engagement.”<\/u>\u00a0That being said, I know that the Spirit is our guide, but\u00a0it just seems we observe much bad without taking a stand against it.\u00a0I can’t help but think that if believers everywhere stood up and had outward standards, the world would be a better place.\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The world feels so dangerous and volatile now; It all feels very unstable. I recall you had a dream where you in your dream shot a prison guard, but other dreams, such as my dad’s, we in the dream stood still while German soldiers walked past us.<\/span><\/p>\n

I feel the world changing and it does not feel as benevolent as I recall from childhood. I have felt a shift in the air, for lack of better wording, within the last couple of months that I hadn’t felt prior. Perhaps this is just a normal part of becoming an adult and growing up… I don’t know. But I am praying to be willing to do whatever the Lord wants me to do and to stay upright as much as I can.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your mentioning last night to ask questions and read your bibles made me think back to this email I had been working on for a few weeks now, and I wanted to ask my question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your time and the work you do for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jonathan S.<\/span><\/p>\n

============<\/span><\/p>\n

Hi Jonathan.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your questions.\u00a0\u00a0I underlined the parts that seemed to encapsulate your thoughts, and so, I will respond to those points, specifically.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

You said, \u201cIf we only do our part in our homes and that which we are immediately responsible for, how does that fulfill Jesus’ commandment to be the light in the world if the world is not within the realm of our responsibilities?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0To be the light of the world means to walk in the Spirit, that is, to live in God\u2019s will, both in our homes and wherever we go.\u00a0\u00a0We are not, and cannot be, responsible for anything beyond that.\u00a0\u00a0The best anyone can do in Christ is to \u201cbrighten the corner where you are,\u201d as the old hymn goes.\u00a0\u00a0We cannot determine how far His light in us shines; we can only do God\u2019s will where we are, at any given time and place.\u00a0\u00a0Jesus did not mean for all God\u2019s children to travel the world over, or to buy time on TV to proclaim the good news.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAre we only to be good and holy for ourselves?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0We are never to be good and holy for ourselves.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(3) \u201cHow are we a light if we are not standing before others and being that outward example against those who would try to be wicked.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0Living in the Spirit means to stand before others as a visible example of purity and peace.\u00a0\u00a0But it is not\u00a0against\u00a0those lost in sin; it is\u00a0for\u00a0them, showing them the way to eternal life.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(4) \u201cRarely do we ever seem to be the light, other than just looking and praying about that situation from a distance.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0It is from a distance only to those who are distant from us, and we can do nothing about that.\u00a0\u00a0But we are lights to everyone who is connected with us, whether at home, or at work, or in school, or just people we meet in the normal course of life.\u00a0\u00a0The light of Christ is not shining to change society; it shines so that God\u2019s lost sheep can find it.\u00a0\u00a0Jesus said, \u201cIf you seek, you will find.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He did not say that the light will make people seek it who have no heart for God.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(5) \u201cGiven that the world has free will, we see morally wrong things happening to believers everywhere, but it feels as if we have our hands tied to help or support them, other than in prayer.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0Paul said to do good to all men as we have the opportunity, but especially to those of God\u2019s family (Gal. 6:10).\u00a0\u00a0That is the very best we can do, and it is all that we can do.\u00a0\u00a0If no opportunity presents itself, then whom can we do good for?\u00a0\u00a0We cannot help believers on the other side of the world who are being persecuted, other than to pray for them.\u00a0\u00a0The world as a whole will never be righteous, and to try to make it otherwise is to live in frustration and bitterness.\u00a0\u00a0So, the only time our hands are tied, as I see it, is when sinners refuse the light they see in us.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(6) Jesus said, \u201cAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

You said, \u201cHow are we to do that if we are obeying Paul\u2019s instructions to not be entangled [in the affairs of this life]?\u00a0\u00a0Is that verse not contradictory to Paul?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0No, it is not.\u00a0\u00a0If a believer travels around the world and becomes embroiled in man\u2019s political and social controversies, he is not the light of the world; he has become part of the darkness.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(6) \u201cHow are we to go into the world proclaiming Christ to others and try to be the change in society without being involved in more than our own homes alone?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0I am puzzled as to why you keep saying that our light in Christ shines only in our homes.\u00a0\u00a0Nobody I know lives only at home.\u00a0\u00a0Even at that, Jesus has not called us to change society.\u00a0\u00a0Societies of earth will never change, even though we are the light of the world.\u00a0\u00a0The light of the world is for those looking for the light; it is not for society.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(7) \u201cHow we are to effect moral and societal change without being involved in the affairs [of this life] as Paul advised us not to be?\u00a0\u00a0If everyone in the world interpreted not being entangled in earthly affairs the same way, evil would go unchecked, correct??\u201d<\/u><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0Again, societal change is not the mission of the body of Christy.\u00a0\u00a0Evil goes unchecked when the body of Christ becomes entangled in the worldly affairs of this life, not when we obey God and stay out them.\u00a0\u00a0The only evils we can oppose are those that are around us, where we are.\u00a0\u00a0And the most effective way to oppose them is to live the kind of life Jesus has given us, apart from those evils, as Jesus was.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(8) \u201cI feel like we are fighting a spiritual war with our hands tied behind our backs, unable to utilize our full capabilities. More often than not, the commandment to turn the other cheek seems to be referenced more than Jesus flipping tables and whipping wicked men in the temple square.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0\u00a0Trying to imitate Jesus without being led by the Spirit can be a fatal error.\u00a0\u00a0That is the very reason so many believers today believe in and practice water baptism – because Jesus was baptized in water by John the Baptizer.\u00a0\u00a0I asked my father a similar question when I was young in the Lord, and he replied, \u201cYou\u2019re not Jesus.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Offering God any service without being led by the Spirit to do so is vain.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Nobody\u2019s hands are tied who is walking in the Spirit.\u00a0\u00a0And our \u201cfull capability\u201d is attained to only when we learn to use the spiritual weapons Jesus provides by the Spirit.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(8) \u201cAre we truly only to be docile and without fight? I do not see how good can win or a good standard be held without some action behind the prayers. It’s like if I as a firefighter prayed for the fire to go out but then failed to use the equipment in my hands to stop it. . . . I am just seeking clarification on the \u2018spiritual rules of engagement.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0\u00a0Our rules of engagement are to trust the Lord, that what he supplies us is sufficient to please God and overcome the world.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, there is more to it than praying.\u00a0\u00a0There is living a holy life in the midst of a wicked world!\u00a0\u00a0Not only are the weapons of our warfare spiritual, the warfare itself is spiritual.\u00a0\u00a0Do NOT resort to carnal methods of fighting; if you do, you have already lost the battle.\u00a0\u00a0You have been overcome by the world.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

If by \u201cdocile\u201d, you mean submissive to the will of God, then yes, we are to be docile.\u00a0\u00a0But if you mean unwilling to resist evil, I have to ask, Is that what you think I am teaching?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

(9) \u201cIt just seems we observe much bad without taking a stand against it. I can’t help but think that if believers everywhere stood up and had outward standards, the world would be a better place.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My answer<\/u>:\u00a0\u00a0You have stood up and had \u201coutward standards\u201d at your workplace, and you have been sneered at because of it by some of your fellow workers.\u00a0\u00a0But your righteous example has been a testimony to all who know you, whether they receive it or not.\u00a0\u00a0That is overcoming the world.\u00a0\u00a0We overcome the world by overcoming the evils that are around us each day, not by forcing the world to change.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Jonathan, if Jesus is putting it on your heart to do something more or something other than what we are doing, please do as he says\u00a0\u00a0I am all for it, and all for you.\u00a0\u00a0But remember, you cannot effect change in the world for righteousness by resorting to tactics other than what the Spirit provides.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have need of patience,\u201d the man of God told the saints, for our testimonies are like the seeds of a tree.\u00a0\u00a0One tree can release thousands of seeds in the fall, but many times, none of them take root.\u00a0\u00a0A good year is when a few of them do.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet us not grow weary in well-doing,\u201d Paul said, \u201cfor in due time, we will reap if we do not faint.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Well-doing in God\u2019s sight is the thing that overcomes the world, even if for the time being, we do not see any of our seeds taking root.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your questions.\u00a0\u00a0I hope I have resolved at least some of your issues.\u00a0\u00a0If not, it might help clear things up for me if you were more specific concerning what more you think we should be doing.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Pastor John<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hello Pastor John, This email is a little long, so sorry in advance.\u00a0 I have been thinking about several quotes and stories in the Bible. One, how Jesus talked about turning the other cheek in Luke 6:27-29: \u201cBut I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-qa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16048"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16048"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16048\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16049,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16048\/revisions\/16049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pastorjohnshouse.com\/mailbag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}