June 15
The Light
of the World
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Daily Steps
The Christian life is meant to be visible and impactful, not hidden. This passage provides the new believer with a mission that is essential for finding peace in our relationship with the world: You are the light of the world.
The peace in this mission is found in visibility and purpose:
A Certain Identity: Jesus declares, "You are the light of the world." This is a statement of identity, not a command to become light. As a follower of Christ, the true Light, you possess His radiance. This identity removes the anxiety of having to invent your own purpose.
The Command to Shine: The purpose of light is to be seen. You are commanded to "let your light shine before others." This light is manifested through "good deeds"—acts of love, honesty, integrity, and holiness in your daily life. Hiding this light (putting it under a bowl) is to deny your true nature and lose peace.
The Result is Glory: The ultimate purpose of your good works is not self-glorification, but that others "may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." When your life points others to God, you fulfill your divine purpose and secure a profound sense of peace and mission.
Your peace in the world is secured by embracing your identity as light. Live with visible holiness and good deeds, and find purpose in pointing others toward the Father.
Reflective Question
If you review your actions today, is your "lamp" currently visible and on its "stand," or are you hiding your light under a "bowl" out of fear or shyness? What is one visible good deed you can perform today to glorify your Father in heaven?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for calling me the light of the world. I pray for the courage to embrace this identity and let my light shine brightly before others.
Help me to perform good deeds with humility and holiness, so that my visible life points others to Your love and secures my peace in fulfilling Your mission. Amen.
