How Bright is Your Light

Don't hide your light, SHINE.

The definition of light is to make things visible. Synonyms include bright, luminous, and clear. When God said to be the light of the world, He said it so that people could see Him through us. He wants us to bring people to Him by the way we live our lives.

Matthew 5:15-18 in the Message bible says this,

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

I LOVE the way the Message Bible translates this scripture! You are here to bring out the God-colors in the world. God created the world with more colors than we can even see. God created each of us to be unique, just like the millions of colors He created. He also gave us all the same command to bring light to a dark world.

This scripture says that our light should shine as a city on a hill. Have you ever looked out of an airplane window at night? You can’t see the houses, but you can see the light. When I think about that, I realize that if only one home was lit, we would not be able to see it from the airplane window. But, when an entire city is lit, we can.

Our lights were meant to work together. My light makes your light brighter. We cannot light the world alone. We also can’t light the world if all of our lights are dim.

So, how bright is your light?

Are you a candle? Does your light only shine when it is lit by another? Is it dim? Can it be easily snuffed out by the wind or storms of life?

Are you a flashlight that only shines for a few feet right in front of you? Or, is your light only visible in situations like an emergency?

Are you a Christmas light that is only brought out for special occasions? Oh, these lights are very pretty and bring excitement, but that excitement is short-lived.

Are you a lightbulb that lights up a room, but doesn’t shine very far? Maybe your light only extends to the people closest to you.

Are you a neon sign? We are all aware of how annoying neon signs can be. They buzz and flicker, causing more of a disturbance than they provide light. The light is there, but it is not effective.

Are you a lighthouse? Are you a beacon for those in need? Can you shine through the storm and help others find security?

Or, are you a floodlight? Does your light touch everyone around you?

God wants His glory to shine through us so that those that don’t know Him can see Him through us.

The Amplified translates verse 16 this way, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

MORAL EXCELLENCE….Your actions and the way you live your life make a difference! Those pictures that you post on Facebook, how you talk in the breakroom, or the gossip covered up as concern when you talk to your BFF. It all matters. If those pictures, or what comes out of your mouth don’t glorify Christ then you are not being a light for the world as we have been commanded.

Being a light also means being kind, generous, and helpful. Shine so that others around you can see Christ through you even if you don’t say a word. Watch your attitude and temperament. Be patient and loving. Sometimes we are the only Jesus a person sees. Be that light among a hurting world.

Don’t hide your light, let it shine for all to see.

Make sure your light is a consistent, bright light that brings glory to Christ. Be the God-colors for this world. And let your light be strengthened by another, don’t shine alone.

Dear Lord, help me to be your light. Help me to shine bright so that others can see you through the way I live. Help me to always choose moral excellence. Help me to always be aware of how my actions might be portrayed. I pray that I can find others to shine with me so that our light will shine like a city on a hill, giving you all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Journal prompt: What kind of light am I? Do I have others to shine with me so that we will have a greater impact?