November 25
Called to
Be Light
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
Having understood the internal dynamics of The Church (Day 330), the new believer must now grasp their vital role in the outside world. Christ gives a powerful, dual mandate: we are inherently the light of the world, and we are commanded to actively let your light shine through observable good deeds.
The peace in this principle is found in public witness:
The Identity of Illumination: Christ declares, You are the light of the world. This is our ultimate identity (Day 288), flowing from our connection to Christ, who is the original Light (The Ultimate Presence, Day 212). Our identity as light means we bring moral clarity (Day 313) and truth into the darkness of sin and worldly foolishness (Day 290).
The Imperative to Shine: The command is to actively let your light shine before others. Light's purpose is to be seen (a town built on a hill cannot be hidden). The opposite is spiritual laziness or fear (Day 315), symbolized by hiding a lamp. We are called to live openly and visibly for Christ (The Call to Holiness, Day 314).
The Method and Goal: Our light shines primarily through your good deeds. Our service (Day 282), love (Day 317), and integrity (Day 294) are the tangible actions the world observes. The ultimate goal is not our own praise, but that they may glorify your Father in heaven. Our life is a public witness to God's transformative power (Day 279).
Your peace is secured by public witness. Embrace Christian Living and the World today by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where you have been hiding your light. Commit to one specific good deed today that will clearly point others to the love and existence of your Father in heaven.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life (work, school, family) are you most tempted to put your light under a bowl (hiding your faith or convictions)? What specific good deed can you intentionally perform today to glorify your Father in heaven?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my fear of standing out and my tendency to live in the shadows. I thank You for declaring that I am the light of the world. I pray for the courage and diligence to let my light shine before others today. Secure my peace in this public witness, and may my good deeds always draw praise and glory to You, my Father. Amen.
