CITY ON A HILL

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid” (5:14). The text continues that a light from a hilltop… a city on a hill cannot go unnoticed. The implication is that: this is what we are to be… a light that cannot be hidden.

I believe the City on a Hill is a definition of the life of every believer: We are to be seen. The City on the Hill can be seen. There are no false motives or moves for the City on a Hill people: everyone sees and knows who and what we are. On the other hand… the Salt in the verse above it (v. 13) is a quiet and hidden internal action of the Gospel of God. No one sees much of leaven or salt in action, but we know when it is not present. The City on the Hill is an external action. Everyone sees light.

The instruction of Jesus is not that we may choose which one we want to be. “You are the salt of the earth,” (Matthew 5:13) or The City on the Hill. We are both. Internally we are permeating our every circumstance and externally shining a light of witness to every circumstance we have opportunity. It is all to glorify the Father. (v.16)

“You are the salt of the earth.”
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Jesus