by Janice M. Taylor
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14 NIV
Stop! Do not read any further before taking these words in, “You Are”.
It is declaring a state of being. It speaks existence. It is proclaiming that an action is occurring.
Repetitive actions develop an individual’s identity. Our identity has significance in what we do, and what we do strengthens our identity. The reason for Jesus stating our identity and then what we should do. The Passion Translation says,
“Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16, TPT
Jesus makes the statement that our lives light up the world. Then he tells us to let others see our light because just like a city on the top of a hill that everyone can see, so is our light. It would not make sense to turn on a light to just hide it. If Jesus has placed his light in us, why would he hide it? Instead, he is placing us in a place where we will be of benefit to others. In other words, don’t run from your calling to shine light into people’s lives.
In a world filled with darkness and lacking identity, there is no time to hide, we must rise to be the light of this world. God has purposely called you to shine your light on those individuals walking in darkness and confusion. He has strategically planned the message you will deliver, how it will be delivered, and to whom it will be delivered.
The light that we are called to be and reflect on others has not been created by our own ability, but by the one who lives within us, Jesus.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12, NIV
Being the light of the world is not just a statement, but an identity that comes with actionable steps.
- What step will you take today to shine your light?
- How will others praise the Lord as you shine your light into their darkness?
Janice M. Taylor is a Christian Life/Parent Coach and the founder of Taylor-ing Your Life, LLC. She holds a BS in Psychology: Life Coaching from Liberty University and is a certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach®. Janice works with families, educators, and professionals to equip them with skills to redirect the negative behaviors of children with ADHD, PTSD, Autism, Adoption, ODD, and other social behavioral intensities into constructive actions. Additionally, she provides a roadmap for women going through life transitions and those struggling with depressive symptoms to discover their purpose, strengths, and identity, leading them toward a better quality of life. Learn more about Janice and Taylor-ing Your Life at www.tayloringyourlife.org.
