Light Exposes Everything—Even Us

Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT) 

Luke 8:16–18  – “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” (NLT)

Parallel passage: Mark 4:21–25

Devotional Series: The Stories Jesus Told

Light!

We are the light of the world. We are called to bring light into a dark world. This means sharing the Good News of the Gospel in our communities and beyond—preaching the Word of God, telling the story of Jesus Christ and His redeeming power, bringing hope and healing to the broken.

But our calling goes beyond preaching and teaching. We are also invited to work alongside the Holy Spirit to bring about transformative change in society: to fight for the weak, the oppressed, and the poor; to champion and support orphans, widows, and the disadvantaged. We shine our light by restoring creation and challenging injustice. As we live this out, our good works speak volumes and glorify our Heavenly Father.

But what happens when we become part of the darkness? Because light always reveals what’s hidden in the dark—and nothing stays hidden forever.

What happens when our own light exposes the shadows within us? When the words we preach do not align with the values we hold or the lives we live? We are then seen as hypocrites and liars. We lose our credibility. The world is distracted and no longer sees our good works. Worse still, the Father is not glorified—but dishonored.

As we go about shining our light, we must also pause to listen carefully to the words of Christ. Will we always get everything right? No. But most of us know when we are being deceptive—when we are pretending to be something we are not.

We are the light of the world, but that role comes with serious responsibility. Why? Because in some places, we may be the only representation of the Father that people will see.

That’s why Jesus warns us: if we hear but do not truly listen, even the understanding we have will be taken from us.

Questions for reflection: Have I accepted that I am the light of the world? What does that mean in my current setting? Is there anything hidden in my life that, if revealed, would bring dishonour to the Father? Do I need to repent and ask the Holy Spirit for help? Do I need to seek accountability in community to overcome a secret? How can I pay closer attention to the words of Jesus?