Shining for the Glory of God
08/12/2025
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount, He drew on imagery deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 60:1, God says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This prophecy pointed toward the coming of the Messiah, the true Light of the world, and to the reality that those who belong to Him would carry His light into a dark world.
In biblical times, light was more than a convenience, it was life itself. Without streetlamps, flashlights, or electricity, darkness brought danger. Thieves and wild animals came out at night; travel stopped; people sought shelter. Light meant safety, truth, and direction. That’s the weight behind Jesus’ words, He wasn’t asking His disciples to be “nice people.” He was commissioning them to be life-bearers in a world stumbling through spiritual darkness.
The early church took this seriously. In the book of Acts, believers were known for their radical generosity, their compassion for the poor, and their unity in the face of persecution. They weren’t trying to draw attention to themselves; they were simply living out the teachings of Jesus, and the world noticed. In Acts 4:13, even the authorities recognized that these unschooled, ordinary men had “been with Jesus.”
Light doesn’t compete with darkness, it automatically overcomes it. A small candle can be seen from great distances on a dark night. The problem is never the size of the light but whether it’s hidden. That’s why Jesus warns is in the previous verse against putting your lamp under a bowl. We can hide our light by fear, compromise, complacency, or living in such a way that our faith is invisible.
Think of Daniel in Babylon. He didn’t just survive in a godless culture; he thrived without losing his identity in God. His integrity, prayer life, and courage in the lion’s den all became a bright testimony that led King Darius himself to honor the Lord. Daniel didn’t have to shout about his faith, his consistent, visible obedience made the message clear.
When our light shines, Jesus says it should cause people to “glorify your Father in heaven.” This means that the ultimate goal of our good works is not to receive applause but to direct attention to the Source. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we reflect the light of the Son. People may see our kindness, generosity, or courage, but if we’re truly living for God, they’ll trace that light back to Him.
Action steps to help on your journey:
Begin your day by asking God, “Whose path can I brighten today?” and listen for His prompting.
Choose one specific area of life where you’ve been “hiding” your light, maybe at work, in your neighborhood, or on social media, and take one bold step to make your faith visible.
Study biblical examples of light-bearers, Daniel, Esther, the early church, and ask God to develop similar courage and compassion in you.
Challenge for today:
Shine so brightly today that even someone who doesn’t know Jesus senses that there’s something different about you, and that difference draws them toward God.
Father, thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Just as You spoke light into the darkness at creation, speak into my life today so that I might reflect Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have hidden my light, whether out of fear, distraction, or selfishness. Fill me with courage to live openly for You, with compassion to meet others’ needs, and with humility so that all glory goes to You. May my life be a lighthouse that points people safely to Your shore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount, He drew on imagery deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 60:1, God says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This prophecy pointed toward the coming of the Messiah, the true Light of the world, and to the reality that those who belong to Him would carry His light into a dark world.
In biblical times, light was more than a convenience, it was life itself. Without streetlamps, flashlights, or electricity, darkness brought danger. Thieves and wild animals came out at night; travel stopped; people sought shelter. Light meant safety, truth, and direction. That’s the weight behind Jesus’ words, He wasn’t asking His disciples to be “nice people.” He was commissioning them to be life-bearers in a world stumbling through spiritual darkness.
The early church took this seriously. In the book of Acts, believers were known for their radical generosity, their compassion for the poor, and their unity in the face of persecution. They weren’t trying to draw attention to themselves; they were simply living out the teachings of Jesus, and the world noticed. In Acts 4:13, even the authorities recognized that these unschooled, ordinary men had “been with Jesus.”
Light doesn’t compete with darkness, it automatically overcomes it. A small candle can be seen from great distances on a dark night. The problem is never the size of the light but whether it’s hidden. That’s why Jesus warns is in the previous verse against putting your lamp under a bowl. We can hide our light by fear, compromise, complacency, or living in such a way that our faith is invisible.
Think of Daniel in Babylon. He didn’t just survive in a godless culture; he thrived without losing his identity in God. His integrity, prayer life, and courage in the lion’s den all became a bright testimony that led King Darius himself to honor the Lord. Daniel didn’t have to shout about his faith, his consistent, visible obedience made the message clear.
When our light shines, Jesus says it should cause people to “glorify your Father in heaven.” This means that the ultimate goal of our good works is not to receive applause but to direct attention to the Source. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we reflect the light of the Son. People may see our kindness, generosity, or courage, but if we’re truly living for God, they’ll trace that light back to Him.
Action steps to help on your journey:
Begin your day by asking God, “Whose path can I brighten today?” and listen for His prompting.
Choose one specific area of life where you’ve been “hiding” your light, maybe at work, in your neighborhood, or on social media, and take one bold step to make your faith visible.
Study biblical examples of light-bearers, Daniel, Esther, the early church, and ask God to develop similar courage and compassion in you.
Challenge for today:
Shine so brightly today that even someone who doesn’t know Jesus senses that there’s something different about you, and that difference draws them toward God.
Father, thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Just as You spoke light into the darkness at creation, speak into my life today so that I might reflect Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have hidden my light, whether out of fear, distraction, or selfishness. Fill me with courage to live openly for You, with compassion to meet others’ needs, and with humility so that all glory goes to You. May my life be a lighthouse that points people safely to Your shore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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