Let your light so shine
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Matthew 5:16
Reflection
Just before this verse, Jesus told His disciples: "Ye are the light of the world." He did not say "you should try to be", but "you are". And now He concludes: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." A lamp does not strain to give light: giving light is what it is. What Jesus asks is that this light be neither hidden nor faked, and that it shine where people can see it.
Note the purpose: "that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father". The aim is not that people admire us, but that, on seeing a different life, they think of God. There is a great difference between shining and showing off. At another moment, Jesus warns against doing good only to be seen by others. The test is simple: who gets the credit in the end? True light does not draw attention to itself; a lamp is not meant to be looked at, it is meant so that everything else may be seen by it.
And what are these "good works"? Almost always they are simple and everyday: honesty at work, patience with the difficult, practical help to those in need, forgiveness instead of revenge, promises kept, service without fanfare. The world watches in silence. A consistent attitude, in a place where everyone acts otherwise, raises questions and opens hearts. And light has more effect where there is more darkness: a candle in an already lit room is not noticed, but in the dark it draws every eye.
Choose today a place that seems "dark" to you: an environment of gossip, a home in tension, a discouraged group. And do there a concrete good work, without noise. If someone asks why you acted this way, answer simply, giving God the credit. And do not be discouraged if no one notices: the Father sees. You are light because the Lord lit that light in you, and it was made to shine. May no one have to look for it under a basket.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me the light of the world. Free me from hiding Your light out of fear and from shining to be admired. May my good works point to You, and may those who watch me glorify my Father which is in heaven. Amen.
Put it into practice
Choose a "dark" place (home, work, group) and do a concrete good work there today, without fanfare. If someone asks, give God the credit simply.
To reflect on
Where in your life has your light been hidden, and what could you do today to let it shine?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).