Read Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world – like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Light is fascinating!

• Light can be seen in many different colors when it bends.
• Light can be used to cut things when used as a laser.
• Light can be mesmerizing when viewing the aurora borealis across the northern sky.
• Light can also be used to explain the distance from one place to another. For instance, it takes one second for light to travel 186,000 miles.

Astounding!

Light is the first thing God spoke into existence. When there was nothing but darkness and a formless void, God said, “Let there be light.” In the New Testament, Jesus declared that He is the Light of the world. If we follow Him, we can have His light to guide our lives and the lives of others. Light works to reveal what exists and to lead us out of darkness.

Light reveals what exists. Light can be used to see in the darkness. Have you ever been without power? Recently, our electric was out for a few hours and it became dark in our house. I was home alone and I felt the darkness closing in around me as the sun began to sink. I felt myself get a little anxious as I couldn’t see what was around me either inside the house or out. I quickly lit several candles and placed them throughout the house. The tiny flickering flames brought me comfort. The light revealed that I was safe. God’s light is like that. It can unveil the truth of a situation. It can help you see that you are in danger and need to re-evaluate where you are at, or it can confirm that you are right where you need to be. Your light can affect others too. The light you shine through your loving deeds and obedience to God’s will helps others find their way to God. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to let our lights shine so that others will see the truth and praise our heavenly Father.

Light leads us in the right way. In Psalm 119, the familiar verse says, “You are a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” In life we may encounter dark moments or seasons and we need to reach for God’s light. His truth will reveal what is going on around us. It will also guide us to our next steps. It may not reveal what is at the end of the path, but it will illuminate our next step. Knowing God’s Word and memorizing verses will help us as we encounter tough moments in life. It will also allow us to help direct others in their journey. When our light shines and reflects God’s love to others, we are helping them see the truth.

Will you let your light shine? Will you shine brightly so that others will see Christ through you? Maybe you can sing the familiar children’s tune and focus on shining your light today.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

Let is shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

Tammy Finney