How Does Your Light Shine?

If I had to guess, I’d say you know this verse. It comes from Jesus’ first sermon as He teaches about salt and light. Being a light in the world isn’t a covert action, He explains, but is glaringly and strikingly public. No hiding your candle under a bushel, people. There’s darkness to light up!

The world teaches that light should be like a spotlight - bathing us so we can be seen, loved and appreciated. The light doesn’t come from us to be given to others, but shines toward us to make us feel good and important.

But Jesus Christ says the purpose of a Christian’s light in this world is never pointed back at themselves. Even the Son of God said this life wasn’t lived to do whatever He pleased, but to please the One who sent Him. If that’s the example Jesus has left us, it must be incredibly important.

Want to know the truth? It’s not about us. It’s never been about us. It’s all about God. It’s always been all about God. When God’s people have put Him first and themselves last, their lives have been filled with eternal blessings. When they let their selfishness push God aside, they receive exactly what they deserve - a fleeting moment of the spotlight here on earth. (Understand that by “them,” I mean “us” too.)

Matthew 5:16 reads: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. It’s all about being a light that illuminates God and His power. It’s about doing our daily tasks with an eye on Him. It’s about making the people we meet each day wondering who this God is that we’re so focused on.

My prayer this week is that nothing I do is self-serving or for applause from the people around me. I want God to get every bit of the glory and honor He deserves. That means knowing exactly what He wants from me and being completely obedient. May this be your prayer as well.

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