Light of the World

READ

As Christians, we are called to live in a way that is radically different from the world around us. Our lives are meant to stand out—and stand against—the norms and values of a broken world. 

We choose to rejoice when we have every reason to give into despair. We choose to fight for justice even when it feels futile. We choose to give freely of our time, money, and resources even when our budgets are tight and our days are busy. We welcome and embrace the marginalized and oppressed, even when it would be easier to ignore and dehumanize those who society rejects. We form meaningful relationships with those on the other side of the political aisle, even when it is difficult to find common ground.

To follow Christ means we cannot blend in. When we receive Christ, His Spirit transforms us from within—changing not just what we do, but who we are. 

We cannot attempt to navigate the world as “undercover” Christians. The light He has placed in our hearts was never meant to be hidden. The love that lives within us is meant to be shared, so that others might encounter God through us and receive the abundant life He gives. 

Let’s take a moment to read Matthew 5:14-16: 

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” 

REFLECT

As Christians, we cannot be afraid to live counter-culturally. We should be easy to identify—not because we wear cross necklaces or have bible verses in our Instagram bios, but because we love radically, forgive readily, and serve humbly. 

When others interact with us, they should encounter the Holy Spirit. They should leave our presence feeling seen, valued, encouraged, and accepted. Whether we are in the school drop-off line, the office, or the classroom, the goodness of God should radiate off of us, sparking curiosity about the hope we carry. Our lives are meant to reflect the beauty and glory of our Savior.

This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. God is perfectly capable of making Himself known to our friends, family, and neighbors all on His own. Our brokenness, sin, and imperfection cannot get in between God and those He wants to save. But in His grace, God invites us to be a part of His redemption plan. He grants us the privilege of playing a role in the best story ever told: His story of salvation. 

Because His Spirit dwells in us, we have the ability to touch hearts and transform lives—simply by loving, listening, serving, and sharing the Good News. We have this power not because we are ‘holy’ or ‘righteous,’ but because He has chosen to use us as broken vessels for His radical love.

While we are called to stand out and live boldly, we must guard against the kind of pride that can undermine our witness. As Matthew reminds us, we let our “good deeds shine out for all to see” not so that we might be glorified, but so that “everyone will praise our heavenly Father.” 

The light that radiates from our hearts should draw every eye toward the cross. 

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read. 

• Are others able to see God’s light through the way you live and love?

• What small, practical steps could you take to let His goodness shine more clearly through you?

• How can you “let your good deeds shine for all to see” to glorify God, rather than yourself? 

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying: 

God of Light, thank You for your radiant love! You are brighter and more brilliant than the sun! Thank You for living within me and choosing to use me as a vessel for Your Holy Spirit. Use me and direct me in the way that I act and react so that You’d be made known. Let my good deeds shine for all to see, not for the sake of my own reputation or ego, but so that others might encounter Your transformative love. Amen.

Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.