Matthew 5:13–20

Be Still: Lord, may your Word be brought to life in me today by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen

Read: Matthew 5:13–20

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (v14)

Encounter: When I think about people in my life who walk closely with Jesus, it seems some of them just shine brighter. Maybe they are brilliant at sharing their faith openly and naturally, or they are kind and gentle in a way that so beautifully reflects the person of Jesus, or maybe they just have a ‘shiny’ vibe (if you know what I mean.) It’s easy to look at them and think, ’Those types of people are light of the world type people – not me.’ 

Perhaps you’ve felt that too – that you’re not eloquent enough, bold enough, or ‘spiritual’ enough to shine for Jesus. But notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, ‘Some of you are the light of the world,’ or ‘You will become light once you’ve mastered these particular skills.’ He simply says, ’You are.’

This isn’t about having the right credentials or the perfect personality. It’s about identity. God is light (1 John 1:5), and as his children, we reflect who he is. Just as a child carries their parent’s features without effort, we carry our Father’s likeness – his light – simply because he is our father.

Our role in all of this is to create space for God’s light to shine through our ordinary lives. That might look like choosing patience over irritation, extending grace instead of gossip, or showing quiet compassion when no-one else notices. The light shines not through our perfection, but through his presence in us.

Apply: Where have you believed you’re not ‘enough’ to be a light for God? Ask him to remind you that his light already lives in you. What small act could create space for his presence to shine through you today?

Devote: Lord, thank you that I don’t have to strive or perform to reflect you. Help me to make space in my life for your presence to shine naturally into the world around me.