Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) – “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Jesus didn’t say, “Try to be light.” He said, “You are the light of the world.” Light is part of who you are in Him. But light is only useful when it shines in the darkness.
Paul reminded the Ephesians: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Your life is a testimony that God has delivered you out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). To hide that is to miss your purpose.
In a world clouded by anger, fear, and despair, God calls His people to live differently. Paul told the Philippians: “Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Stars shine brightest against the night sky.
What does shining your light look like? It looks like kindness when others are harsh (Colossians 3:12). Honesty when others lie (Ephesians 4:25). Integrity when others compromise (Proverbs 11:3). It’s choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness (Ephesians 4:32), courage instead of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), joy instead of despair (Romans 15:13). Jesus says that when people see these good works, they give glory to God. Your life becomes a living testimony to His grace.
But there’s a warning too. Light hidden is light wasted. Many people hide their faith out of fear of criticism or because they don’t want to stand out. Yet Jesus insists: “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.” The purpose of light is to shine. Paul echoed this: “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8).
How to Shine Your Light
Encourage someone by name. A word of affirmation can brighten a weary soul (Proverbs 12:25; Hebrews 3:13).
Refuse negativity. Instead of joining in grumbling, choose gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Practice generosity. Share what you have with those in need (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
Be quick to forgive. Release bitterness and show grace, just as God has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13).
Live with integrity. Walk in the same way Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).
Speak of your faith naturally. Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Choose joy. Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
So, resist the temptation to blend in. Live your faith openly. Speak of Christ naturally. Let your works match your words. “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
The world doesn’t need more darkness; it needs the light of Jesus shining through His people.
Let your light shine, not for your recognition, but for God’s glory.
