Day 20 — Salt and Light

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:14–16 (BSB)

Have you ever been in a room when the power goes out? It’s pitch dark. You can’t see anything. You bump into furniture. Then someone lights a single candle or turns on a phone flashlight, and suddenly you can see. Even a small light makes a huge difference in the dark.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His followers two pictures of who they are. First He said, “You are the salt of the earth.” In Jesus’ day, salt was precious. It added flavor to food, and it kept meat from spoiling. Followers of Jesus are like salt. They make the world better and help keep it from going bad.

Then Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Jesus Himself is the Light of the World (John 8:12). When you follow Him, His light shines through you.

Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Try to become light.” He said, “You are the light.” It’s who you are if you belong to Him.

But a light can be hidden. Jesus said nobody lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. That would be silly! The whole point of a lamp is to shine.

How do you let your light shine? Jesus said: “that they may see your good deeds.” It’s the way you live. Being honest when others cheat. Being kind to the kid everyone ignores. Helping without being asked. Not joining in when others gossip. Forgiving someone who hurt you. When you live like Jesus, people notice.

And here’s the goal: not so people will say, “Wow, what a great kid,” but so they will “glorify your Father in heaven.” Your light should point to Him.

You might be the only light some people see. Maybe a friend doesn’t go to church and doesn’t know much about Jesus. But they know you. The way you live might be the first picture of Jesus they ever get.

Think about it: Where is it hardest for you to let your light shine? At school, online, with friends, or somewhere else?

Try this: Do one good deed today on purpose, to point someone to God. Don’t brag about it. Just let it shine.

Dear Jesus, You are the Light of the World, and You have made me a light too. Help me not to hide my light. Let my good deeds point people to You, so they will praise my Father in heaven. In Your name, Amen.