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There are times Jesus will do things and suggest that it not be shared with others. It is a God thing just for that person. Jesus does want us to be public about God’s World (Kingdom). It is not to be hidden. I am to be a light in darkness. I must go public. I must be open. I must be transparent.

This world (not God’s World) needs to hear the good news about what is like to be restored by Jesus. When it comes to the good news, Jesus demands we go public. To not do so is to deny Him.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.[1]

~Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16)

One of the most inspiring teachings of Jesus is found in Matthew 5:16, where he tells his followers to let their light shine before others. What does this mean and how can we apply it to our lives today?

  1. We need to understand what Jesus means by light. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is referring to the moral and spiritual qualities that distinguish his disciples from the world. He says in Matthew 5:14 that they are the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. He also says in John 8:12 that he is the light of the world, and whoever follows him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Therefore, to let our light shine means to reflect the character and the truth of Jesus in our words and deeds.
  2. We need to understand why we should let our light shine before others. Jesus gives us two reasons in Matthew 5:16. One is so that they may see our good works. Good works are not just acts of charity or kindness, but anything that we do in obedience to God’s will and for his glory. Good works are evidence of our faith and love for God, and they also benefit others by meeting their needs and showing them God’s grace. The other reason is so that they may give glory to our Father who is in heaven. When people see our good works, they should not praise us or think highly of us, but recognize that God is the source and the goal of everything we do. Our good works should point people to God and inspire them to worship him.
  3. We need to understand how we can let our light shine before others. There are many ways that we can do this, depending on our gifts, opportunities, and circumstances.

Here are some examples:

  • We can let our light shine by sharing the gospel with those who do not know Jesus, and inviting them to follow him as their Lord and Savior.
  • We can let our light shine by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
  • We can let our light shine by serving others with humility and generosity, using our talents and resources for God’s kingdom.
  • We can let our light shine by living with integrity and honesty, avoiding sin and temptation, and repenting when we fall short.
  • We can let our light shine by praying for others and interceding for their needs and concerns.
  • We can let our light shine by rejoicing in the Lord always, giving thanks in all circumstances, and trusting him in every situation.
  • We can let our light shine by being peacemakers and reconcilers, seeking justice and mercy for the oppressed and marginalized.
  • We can let our light shine by growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus, studying his word and following his example.

In conclusion, letting our light shine before others is not an option or a suggestion for Christians, but a commandment and a responsibility. It is also a privilege and a joy, because it honors God and blesses others. Let us therefore ask God to fill us with his Spirit and enable us to shine for him in this dark world.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 5:14–16.