In the same way, let your light shine before others.… Matthew 5:16.
It’s been over fifteen years since we moved from DC to Charlotte, so when we moved this time only a mile away I had forgotten that the bane of all moves are lamps. They require big boxes, lots of wrapping paper, and of course what was a perfectly good lamp at one house does not “quite fit or look right” at another. My decorating skills go as far as knowing that a room needs more light or not. “Just the right lamp” is beyond my skill set.
Christ of course wasn’t talking about lamps or chandeliers. He was alluding to the light that each of us broadcasts from our soul and the kindness we show to our neighbors. You can tell that a person works in a soup kitchen, with the homeless, or those down on their luck. It emanates, and they need not say a word. Their “light shines,” before you even get close.
Physical lamps, no matter how beautiful or perfectly placed, are a constant hassle. They are fragile, they consume energy, and they can be easily unplugged or shattered. Our inner light, however, is a different kind of illumination. It is not something we plug in or turn on; it’s a continuous, self-sustaining radiance that is an expression of our character. It’s a light that cannot be dimmed by a power outage, and it is fueled not by electricity, but by empathy, compassion, and the quiet acts of grace that define a life of service.
This spiritual light is not about being a flashy spotlight, demanding attention or recognition. Instead, it is a gentle, diffused glow that makes the space around us feel warmer and safer. It’s the way a compassionate nurse makes a hospital room feel less sterile, the way a kind cashier brightens a dreary errand, or the way a friend offers a listening ear without judgment. It is the authenticity that shines from someone who is truly present, and in turn, their presence makes others feel seen. This light is a byproduct of living with purpose and care, and its power lies in its subtlety and sincerity. It is a light that doesn’t just illuminate the person who carries it, but also makes the world around them easier to navigate.
So, in the end, the command to “let your light shine” is not a burden or a difficult task, like trying to find the “perfect lamp.” It is a call to simply be ourselves, to live out our deepest values, and to act with genuine kindness. When we do this, the light naturally emanates, and we don’t have to announce it. Our actions, our patience, our generosity—these are the real-life lamps that brighten the corners of the world and guide others. Unlike a lamp, this light cannot be wrapped up or misplaced; it is an inseparable part of who we are, and it is meant to be shared freely.
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