Jesus says things simply. Jesus does not say simple things.
Some people can rightly be accused of trying to bamboozle others with jargon ans fancy words. Some think that a sign of being educated is saying big words.
Jesus astounded witnesses because He evidently didn’t go to the same school as religious rulers, yet the authority with which He spoke far outweighed the religious elite. All this through speaking in a manner people could pick up.
Yet in what He said was dynamite that blew up many people’s perceptions of righteous living. He says let your light so shine before all men that they may see good works and glorify the Father in heaven. That sounds straightforward. Until He outlines what those good works involve.
If I am slapped on the cheek, I offer the other? What?!!
If look at a woman in lust, I have committed adultery? Say what?!!
If I am sued and a brother wants my shirt, I give him my jacket as well? You what??!!
Love my enemies? Pray for them? Bless them??? Jesus you must be off your rocker!
We love the pleasant bits of Jesus. Those bits are cool. He came to save me? Great. He has come to give me abundant life? Sweet. He won’t leave me or forsake me? Lovely. He loves me and has a mansion prepared for me? In heaven? Hot diggity, where do I sign?!
Being a shining light is so much more than chilling in sweet and pleasant artificial bubbles of praise & worship music with the brothers and sisters in the Lord. Gritty, tough and real circumstances is the environment in which God expects us to be shining lights. The workplace where scepticism and cynicism persists is the place to let the light shine.
How will they see it unless we’re living it in their presence, for His glory and their eternal benefit?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
I agree that God expects us to be the positive examples that He desires in places that aren’t filled with believers. Fellowship is important but what is more important is winning souls over for the kingdom of God. Thank you for posting this! God bless!
coveredbymercy.wordpress.com
Thanks for dropping by Alicia. Thanks for your comment too. I’m not saying winning souls is more important than fellowship. I am saying that we can often miss the point of where we’re supposed to be shining the Light. If our fellowship could take place where others could see it, that would be great. That, I believe, is why Jesus says they will know we are His disciples by the love we have for each other. They gotta see that love and that’s not necessarily through getting them into our holy huddle.
Thanks again for the comment.