That makes us, His followers, the light of the world.

To whom Jesus warns: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel"

If we, His followers, are the light of the world, why is there so much darkness?

The companion verse: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men".

Likewise, if we are the salt (preservative) of the earth, why is the world rotting at such an alarming rate?

To whom Jesus warns: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel" You only partially stated the verse – the entire verse reads: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. — Matthew 5:15. Candle: The use of the word “candle” in this verse has the impression of a wax candle like we use today. However, there were no wax candles such as the ones we use today when Jesus walked the earth. This use of the word “candle” here is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word luchnos. The word actually refers to an oil lamp. A literal translation of this verse should read, “Neither do men light an oil lamp and put it under a bushel.…” An oil lamp that was the only source of light in the ancient world. The Herodian lamp dates to the time of Jesus. It’s very small, formed of clay and shaped to hold oil with a small opening at the end of the spout where a wick was inserted into the base of the lamp to soak up oil. To light the lamp, fire was put to the wick. While oil was supplied to the base of the lamp, it would keep burning and giving light. Bushel: The word “bushel” is the Greek word modios. A bushel is a dry measure containing about a peck, but as it is used in the New Testament (Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33) it does not refer to capacity but is used only to indicate a covering to conceal the light. In the Scripture, Jesus was enjoining the disciples — and of course us — to let our light shine before everyone in order for us to influence the world. Jesus used the example of an oil lamp to make that point. Why did Jesus use an oil lamp and why this imagery is such a perfect illustration of us? Probably because those oil lamps were made of clay and therefore extremely fragile. So fragile that they could be broken by a merely squeezing of the hand holding them. These oil lamps had to be handled carefully lest they break, the oil spill out, and the light be lost. Perhaps Jesus used oil lamps to depict you and me? Although our bodies are a miracle created by God, however like the oil lamps in this illustration – we are also made from the clay of the earth and we are very fragile. And that is why apostle Paul wrote about in Second Corinthians 4:7. In that verse, he said, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels….” So, in Matthew 5:15, Jesus told us, “Neither do men light a candle [i.e., an oil lamp], and put it under a bushel.…” What did He mean when He spoke about putting a lamp under a “bushel” - putting a lamp under a container where there is no oxygen would obviously put out the light? Do you see what a powerful statement Jesus was making? He was stressing the point home that it doesn’t make sense to light a lamp and then put it under cover where no one can see it. By using this example, Jesus strongly admonished us to keep our gifts, talents, and influence out in the open where they can be seen, where they can grow, and where they can provide light to other people. God gave us gifts to benefit others and we should not hide them where no one can see them or appreciate them. God never intended for us to conceal our gifts or to hide our influence. He wants our lights to shine brightly! The world rotting at such an alarming rate. That of course is your own pessimist “chicken little – the sky is falling” fatalistic view – and that event is therefore inevitable for you. I will not subscribe to that viewpoint – For I say: in his grace …

I will not subscribe to that viewpoint

Those are some strong words...for a germaphobe.

How do you know if you're a germaphobe?

The emotional and psychological symptoms of germaphobia include: intense terror or fear of germs. anxiety, worries, or nervousness related to exposure to germs.

Still wearing a face panty when you answer the door?

Why are you quoting the Bible? You wanted the churches closed. Did you ask God for forgiveness for wanting his churches closed and lacking faith?

Why are you quoting the Bible? Because I was responding to watchman’s post. It was he who quoted a partial scripture and I posted the entire verse to explain the meaning of it. Was there anything in the scripture or in my explanation that you did not understand – or that you disagreed with? No? Then you just wanted to make an ass of yourself once again and personally attack me out of your hatred? I understand. You wanted the churches closed. Furnish a link to where I said: “I wanted the churches closed.” You cannot because I never said any such thing. It was you who said some governors did not have the legal authority to close the churches. It was then that I cited links to the laws and posted the laws that gave them the right to do that. That’s all I ever did. I never supported those laws or justified them in any way. And I never said that I wanted the churches closed. Did you ask God for forgiveness for wanting his churches closed and lacking faith? Do you ever stop to realize the abhorrent stupidity that you continually display in your posts? Reading your post, I am reminded that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was clearly teaching the sobering reality that there are people who think they are Christians, when they are actually false Christians who do not know the Lord or His ways. From reading your posts and watching you openly display the extreme hatred and evil that lives in your heart, I feel that Jesus was clearly talking to you. I cannot see the world you live in with your rude manners, selfishness and poor intentions has anything Christian about it. For you feel empowered to hate the people who will not agree with you. Yes, you have stated this. Your first reaction is always to strike out in hopes that it will make you feel better. Why, you’ve even wished people to die. Read 1 John 4:20-21 where it says: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” John, one of Jesus’s best friends, makes it clear that you can’t love God and hate God’s people. And guess what? All people are God’s people. If we love God, we have to love others. So, how can you harbor so much hate for others and still try to proclaim yourself to be a Christian? I of course expect you will not be able to answer that question …