LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14–16

Jesus taught His disciples that they would transform, flavor, and preserve the world—that’s the “salt of the earth” metaphor (see Matthew 5:13)—and that their faithful living would shine like a light in the night for all to see for the glory of God.

On a dark night, a town built on a hilltop will be seen from a long distance simply because it is there. This is not necessarily due to a special effort that is put in; it is the inevitable result of the townspeople lighting their houses and streets—of simply living their lives. But Jesus was also talking about a collective light. The Greek word Jesus used for “you” in this description is plural, meaning groups of His followers shining together.

A single small flame may hardly be visible, but when many small flames shine together, it can be seen from the surrounding countryside. In a fear-darkened world, one of the brightest lights we can shine is to choose to live in contradiction of fear.

Rather than retreating to the supposed safety of our own small communities, the light we shine for God should be visible in public, in the wider world.

Living boldly and lovingly as followers of Jesus, we will shine all the brighter, particularly when we do it together. It will be noticed by those around us and will be attractive as a different way of thinking, choosing, and acting in our world.