Day 7: Being the Light Together
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Devotional
Jesus gives us an incredible identity: “You are the light of the world.” He doesn’t say “you will be the light” or “you should try to be the light,” but “you are.” This isn’t just an individual calling, though each of us is responsible for tending our own flame. It’s also a collective one. When we, as a community of believers, shine together, our light becomes more powerful, more visible, like a city on a hill that cannot be ignored.
Think about a single candle. It gives off a gentle glow, enough to illuminate a small space. But when many candles are brought together, their combined light can dispel even deep darkness. This is the power of the Church being the light together. Our shared witness, our collective acts of love and service, our unified stand for truth and grace—these shine brightly in a world often shrouded in confusion and despair.
I’ve seen this beautifully illustrated in times of community crisis or need. When a natural disaster struck a nearby town, it wasn’t just one or two individuals who responded; it was the local churches, working together. They opened their doors as shelters, organized food drives, and sent out teams to help with cleanup and rebuilding. Their combined efforts were a beacon of hope and practical love, drawing people towards the source of that light—Jesus Christ. Their actions spoke volumes, demonstrating God’s compassion in tangible ways that individual efforts, however well-intentioned, might not have achieved on such a scale.
Our “good works” that Jesus speaks of are not done to earn salvation or to bring glory to ourselves, but to point others to our Father in heaven. When our community is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the fruit of the Spirit—our collective light shines brightly. It’s in our unity, our mutual support, our shared compassion, and our collective mission that the world sees a compelling picture of who God is.
We are not meant to be hidden lights, tucked away and visible only to ourselves. God intends for His Church to be a radiant display of His glory. As we build strong foundations of community, as we become a true spiritual family, our capacity to be that shining city on a hill grows. Let’s commit to fanning the flames of faith in one another, so that together, our light dispels darkness and draws many to the ultimate Light of the world.
Additional Scripture for Meditation
- Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
- 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
- John 8:12 (ESV): “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
Reflection
- In what practical ways have you seen your church community act as a “light” in your wider town or city?
- What are some “baskets” that can sometimes hide or dim the collective light of a Christian community?
- How can your personal “light” contribute to the brightness of your spiritual family’s collective witness?
Practical Application
- Identify one specific way your small group or church could collectively “shine” in your local community this month (e.g., a service project, an outreach event, a collective act of kindness).
- Be intentional this week about encouraging other believers. Your words and actions can help “fan their flame” and make their light shine brighter.
- Pray with another believer this week specifically for opportunities for your church to be a visible light and for God to be glorified through your collective actions.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, thank You for calling us to be the light of the world. Forgive us for the times we have hidden our light or allowed our internal disunity to dim our collective witness. Empower us by Your Spirit to shine brightly together, that our good works may not bring attention to ourselves, but may draw others to You and bring You glory. Make us a city on a hill, radiant with Your love and truth, for all the world to see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.