“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15. 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. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Opportunities abound, not just once in a while, but virtually every second of the day for people to shine light with what they do and what they say. Think about an athlete and the opportunities they get simply playing a game. People love to watch others compete; sometimes it’s a small group, just the players parents and friends; other times it may be broadcast for millions to see.
How a player handles the challenges on the field and the pressure of competition shines a light directly upon them and their maker, as all eyes are on them as they put on their show. Discipline, honor, commitment, and character all come out on the field. How about after the game—victory or defeat…what light will they glow?
A prime example can be seen just about every time an athlete is interviewed at the end of a game that we watch on TV. The player who just spent tremendous physical and mental energy, and is often still working to catch their breath, finds they still have work to do for the folks paying the bills.
A network sideline reporter pushes a microphone in their face. The advertisers hold their breath; the game is over. Can they keep the fans tuned in, or will they turn off the tube? Here’s the opportunity: Which athletes are going to enlighten us with their words?
It’s rarely the ones that simply rehash the plays as they describe and relive the incredible plays that wowed the fans. Sometimes it’s interesting to hear their take during those moments—to hear what they were thinking during a play. However, often it’s simply redundant, as viewers, we just saw the plays with our own two eyes—sometimes in slow motion numerous times.
It doesn’t hurt to shine a light on one’s accomplishments, but if the players are sharp enough to understand that they’re not just athletes but entertainers, then they know that’s best left for the camera…that’s what it does best.
There’s a light that our souls ache for to see… A light our eyes want to see and that our ears yearn to hear… It’s the glory cast by the light of our God—the Creator—that we all need.
The words of the athletes who honor their opponents efforts and courage, their appreciation given to the supporters and fans, their heartfelt recognition to all those who help with the game, and the very homage they give to the game itself—that’s the light the world needs to see.
And Amen, brother, when an athlete stands strong and recognizes that it’s not about them but for the glory of God that the game was even played. That’s the light we all want to bask in—it’s warm and it’s good; it’s what’s meant to be.
Every time I hear an athlete express themselves like that, I smile and get choked up a bit. It brings joy to my soul. It’s basic to give glory to God. Humble yourself and cast light where it belongs. I’ve become a loyal follower of that athlete because of the light that they shined—see how it works? Shine a light, and they’ll follow.
If we live for Jesus, we will glow like lights, shining brightly with His love. Many who are living in spiritual darkness will be attracted by our light and want to step into it. Jesus’ light always reveals truth. “But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5).
Jesus told us that we need to let our light shine before all men just like He did. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)
“Everybody knows Jo Jo!…” My wife and I live in a vibrant Florida master-planned community that offers abundant opportunities to socialize and shine. Pickleball and tennis courts, workout rooms and swimming pools, golf courses with restaurants, and even a poolside cabana. All fantastic places that offer ample opportunities to socialize and radiate your light. It’s as if the development was built just for Jo Jo, and she enjoys finding time for fellowship and all that it offers.
Socializing for me, not so much. I’m more reserved and find time spent socializing with my Lazy Boy about as comfortable as it gets. Jo Jo and I are opposing forces that, through our union with God, work together well. One is dynamic and bright as the sun, the other more like a bear roaring one minute, hibernating the next. I have my moments, like when I’m writing these thoughts, but my wife’s light shines 24/7—In her, God’s glory is always aglow.
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (1 John:4-5)
Jesus was the light of the world, and His purpose of putting light in us is so that we might shine His light on all those in the dark.
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. (Ephesians 5:8-9)
We are called to be light for this world. Goodness, righteousness, and truth all are produced from the light of Jesus Christ, which resides in and emanates from within. The world needs more beacons like Jo Jo—lights that enable people to see.
We all have opportunities to be lights for this world: an athlete playing a game or expressing his thoughts, a boss overseeing his employees and calling the shots, friends having a drink and shooting the breeze. It’s a choice that you make—it’s choosing to be full of God instead of yourself. God is the light the world needs, and when your focus is squarely on Him, there’s no force in this world that you can’t overcome.
We need to get serious about this; the light of God and of Christ is not simply an analogy or a semblance. No, being a light is not a metaphor; it’s an act. The light is a physical embodiment that Jesus has installed inside of us through the Holy Spirit that emanates from the body of all born-again Christians.
Do not take this lightly (excuse the pun); it’s a gift of grace from our Savior. To wrap it up in a blanket or cover it with a basket only dishonors your Lord. Live as people of light! Let your light shine so bright that all those who see can only know that the light is not of this world, that it is not of you, but that of God.
God built you to be a thousand watts of love, joy, truth, and wisdom. Give God the glory He deserves and light the way!
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Read your Bible, learn the truth, and shine the light.
“I tell you the Truth”
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