Matthew 5:14–16
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I’m sure you’ve heard the song This Little Light of Mine. This classic children’s song was taught in many Sunday schools, and by parents and grandparents for generations. Even if you didn’t grow up in church, you probably heard it somewhere. It speaks of not hiding your light or letting the devil put it out.

But what does Jesus mean when He says, “You are the light of the world”? In John 3, He talks about those in darkness and those in the light.

John 3:18–21
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

So it is those who do the truth and believe in who Jesus is. They are not hiding anything dishonestly or walking in the pleasures of their sin or hiding their shame. They are like David—confessing their sin and turning away from it. And like Matthew 5:16 says, your good works become a testimony that leads others to glorify God.

Imagine this with me for a moment: if we, as His people, are a city on a hill—built on the foundation of Jesus and lit by His light—who could miss the radiance shining from it? I imagine it looking something like the scene in Tangled when the lanterns are being lit all around the city. I don’t know about you, but the beauty of that scene makes me emotional, filled with awe and excitement. How much more wonderful would it be if those of faith stood up unafraid and unashamed to be seen, pointing boldly to the God they believe in.

The kingdom of darkness is just as visible. If you step back and look, you can see how those without the light can be caged in shame, unforgiveness, racism, judgment, sexism, addictions, war, and more.

Ephesians 5:6–14 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible. For this reason He says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.”

I would encourage you to read the whole chapter of Ephesians 5. It explains quite clearly the difference between darkness and light. So this week, check your hearts. Ask God to reveal if there is any hidden motive, lie, or shame that you no longer see—or don’t want to see. Bring it before the Lord, surrender it, and ask for forgiveness. Walk in the light and confess like David.

Please share with us your thoughts on these passages. We would love to learn from you. Have a wonderful week, everyone.